Vladimir Zelensky’s ‘victory plan’ is a predictable “wish list,” an official has told the news agency
At least one Western nation supporting Ukraine is advocating for diplomatic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing multiple sources. According to the outlet, some officials are expressing skepticism about Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s ‘victory plan’ to end the conflict.
The potential talks with Moscow could take place before the G20 leaders’ meeting in Brazil in mid-November, and would be led by either Zelensky or other parties, the report stated.
Zelensky is currently in the US, where he is presenting his purported roadmap to resolve the conflict, previously dismissed by Moscow as unrealistic, now re-branded as a ‘victory plan.’ He intends to disclose its details to US President Joe Biden later this week, as Washington’s support is crucial for its success, according to the Ukrainian leader.
However, Bloomberg cited sources as saying that the proposal lacks any real surprises and won’t significantly alter the course of the conflict. One official described it as a “wish list” rather than a concrete action plan.
Kiev has ruled out negotiations with Russia and has rejected any possibility of compromise. Ukrainian officials have suggested that by intensifying the conflict, they could force Moscow to agree to peace on Kiev’s terms. Andrey Yermak, Zelensky’s powerful chief of staff, reiterated a call to Western backers on Monday not to be concerned about potential negative repercussions from this strategy.
Among other demands, the Ukrainian government seeks permission to utilize donated Western weapons to strike targets deep within Russia. Putin has warned that Moscow will view any such action as a direct act of war by NATO and will respond accordingly.
Ukraine also desires NATO-type security guarantees and a faster path to joining the US-led military bloc, as well as long-term financial support that future administrations in Washington would not be able to revoke, according to reports.
Moscow considers the Ukraine conflict to be a US-led proxy war against Russia, which the West is willing to fight “to the last Ukrainian.” Russian officials have stated that Ukrainian accession to NATO would pose an existential threat to their country, and must be prevented by all means necessary.