Western leaders skeptical of Zelensky's 'victory plan', reports Bloomberg
A Western official has informed Bloomberg that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky's 'victory plan' does not represent a significant shift. Read Full Article at RT.com
Officials familiar with Zelensky's discussions with international leaders caution that the so-called ‘victory plan’ he is unveiling this week in New York may not lead to significant progress in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Sources conveyed to the agency that the plan lacks “real surprises” and is not deemed a game-changer, with one official labeling it simply a “wish list.”
Bloomberg highlighted that this pessimistic evaluation of the plan reflects a growing unease among allied nations about the resolution of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
At least one ally has supposedly recommended initiating a “new round of outreach” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could come from either Zelensky or Ukraine’s international supporters.
Another official remarked that while the West remains committed to supporting Kiev for as long as needed, clarity is required from Zelensky regarding what peace with Moscow might entail.
While the details of the ‘victory plan’ have not been publicly disclosed, the Sunday Times reported that it consists of four main components: Western security guarantees akin to NATO’s principle of collective defense, continued military operations into Russia's Kursk Region to use as a bargaining tool, delivery of “specific” advanced weaponry from allies, and international financial assistance for Ukraine.
In an ABC News interview on Tuesday, Zelensky stated, “that we are closer to peace than we think.” However, he emphasized that his plan “is not about negotiation with Russia,” but rather focused on “the strengthening of Ukraine.”
During his address to the UN Security Council later that day, he reiterated that the conflict “cannot be calmed by talks” and asserted that Moscow “can only be forced into peace.”
While in New York, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and both presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, to discuss his ‘victory plan.’
Earlier this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian leadership has not yet formed a comprehensive evaluation of Zelensky's initiative due to a lack of sufficient reliable information. Peskov reiterated on Tuesday that the conflict will only be resolved when Moscow accomplishes all the objectives of its military operation “one way or another.”
Allen M Lee for TROIB News