Zelenskiy’s Victory Plan: A Psychological Strategy to End the War

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to present a 'victory plan' to U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed at strengthening Kyiv and exerting psychological pressure on Russia to end the war diplomatically. The plan will be presented before a second international peace summit later this year, seeking support from global allies.

KYIV, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that he intends to introduce a 'victory plan' to U.S. President Joe Biden this month, aimed at strengthening Kyiv and exerting psychological pressure on Russia to end the war diplomatically. Zelenskiy shared these details during Kyiv's annual Crimean Platform event, emphasizing the importance of presenting the plan to allies before a planned second international summit on peace later this year.

'If partners support it (the plan), it will make it easier for Ukraine to force Russia to end the war,' he stated. 'What is this plan for? It is a serious strengthening of Ukraine and, in my opinion, it will have both psychological and political... influence on Russia's decision to end this war.'

Zelenskiy initially introduced the plan last month, expressing his desire to discuss it with Biden and potential successors after the U.S. presidential election in November. His trip to the United Nations General Assembly later this month is on the agenda.

This comes at a critical moment in the conflict, as Russian troops continue to push forward in eastern Ukraine, despite Kyiv's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region last month. Ukraine is advocating for a follow-up peace summit, after the first summit held in Switzerland in June. Kyiv supports inviting Russia to the follow-up event, aligning with many nations from the Global South who desire participation from both sides. However, Moscow remains firm in its stance of no negotiations as long as Ukrainian forces are on its territory.