“Victory Plan” unveiled: Zelenskyy sets clear goals for Ukraine’s defence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly introduced his “Victory Plan” during a session of the Verkhovna Rada, a plan he previously discussed during his visit to the United States at the end of September.

This plan, which has not been officially disclosed until now, comprises five key points and includes three secret annexes, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

At the outset of his speech, Zelensky emphasized the need for Ukrainians to alter the current circumstances to compel Russia to seek peace. He asserted that no Russian ultimatum would hold significance. “The war may end next year if the plan is implemented,” he stated.

Key components of the "Victory Plan":

1. Geopolitical engagement: The first point calls for an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.

2. Defence strategy: The second point focuses on intensifying military operations on Russian territory, including the removal of restrictions on strikes within Russia, collaborative efforts to neutralize Russian aviation alongside international partners, enhanced use of drones and missiles, and improved access to intelligence from allied nations. This segment includes a secret annexe.

3. Deterrence measures: The third point advocates for the establishment of a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence framework on Ukrainian soil to effectively guard against any military threats from Russia. This proposal also has a secret annexe that has been shared with leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany.

4. Economic development and sanctions: The fourth point emphasizes enhancing Ukraine's economic potential and reinforcing sanctions against Russia, accompanied by a secret annexe being transmitted to the U.S. and the European Union.

5. Post-war integration: The fifth point outlines plans for the post-war era, suggesting that Ukrainian military experience can bolster NATO and European defences. It proposes that Ukrainian military units could take the place of some U.S. forces in Europe after the conflict concludes.

During the speech, Zelenskyy firmly dismissed any notion of ceding territories as part of his “Victory Plan.”

The Ukrainian leader emphasised: “This is not a freeze. This is not a trade of territory or sovereignty of Ukraine. We must implement the 'plan'”.

In a critical response, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Zelenskyy's proposal seems to align with a U.S.-dictated policy of prolonging the conflict, which he termed “fighting to the last Ukrainian.” 

Peskov noted, “For so many weeks now there has been talk about some ephemeral peace plan... Most likely, this is the same plan of the Americans to fight us to the last Ukrainian, which now Zelenskyy has camouflaged and called a 'peace plan,' apparently, it is.”

He concluded by asserting that “some other plan is not there,” reflecting scepticism regarding the authenticity of Zelenskyy's initiative.

By Tamilla Hasanova