Hungarian PM critiques Zelenskyy's “Victory Plan”: Path to defeat

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed scepticism about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's “Victory Plan,” suggesting it may ultimately lead to Zelenskyy’s downfall. 

Orban made these remarks during a morning program on Hungarian radio, Caliber.Az reports.

He pointed out that Zelensky unveiled his military strategy at the recent EU summit in Brussels, where many participants seemed committed to continuing the military conflict in Ukraine. According to Orban, Hungary perceives the EU as being defeated alongside Ukraine.

“The defeated now want to move on to a victory plan. We have stated that we are not involved in this. You can't win with this victory plan,” Orban asserted from Brussels.

Zelenskyy introduced his “Victory Plan” for the Russian-Ukrainian war in the Verkhovna Rada on October 16. The strategy encompasses five primary objectives and three secret annexes that address geopolitics, defence, deterrence, economic potential, and post-war arrangements.

The plan includes proposals for a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package and aims for the joint defence of Ukraine's critical resources in collaboration with U.S. and EU partners. “Deposits of critical resources in Ukraine, along with the country’s globally significant energy and food production capabilities, are among Russia’s main targets in the war,” Zelenskyy explained.

For the post-war phase, Zelenskyy suggested that Ukrainian forces could replace certain U.S. military contingents in Europe, leveraging their combat experience.

However, NATO has responded cautiously to the plan. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated, “A lot of political and military aspects need to be discussed to see what we can do and what we cannot do.” He emphasized that while Ukraine is destined to join NATO, the immediate priority should be to assist Ukraine in reclaiming territories and strengthening its position for future peace negotiations.

The plan was shared with key allies, including the U.S., Britain, France, Italy, and Germany. According to US media reports, some partners have expressed concerns regarding the tight deadline set by Zelenskyy, who has given allies until the end of 2024 to implement the plan's main provisions.

By Tamilla Hasanova