Zelenskyy visits US to present Ukraine’s ‘victory plan’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United States on Sunday for a pivotal visit aimed at outlining Kyiv’s strategy to conclude two and a half years of conflict with Russia. Dubbed a “victory plan,” Zelenskyy will present his proposals to President Joe Biden, as well as key political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

This visit follows a summer marked by intensified fighting, with Russian forces making significant advances in eastern Ukraine. Despite this, Ukrainian troops have managed to maintain control over parts of Russia’s Kursk region.

A central focus of Zelenskyy’s discussions will be Kyiv’s request for long-range weapons capable of striking targets deep within Russia. While the Ukrainian government has pressed Western allies for these capabilities, their pleas have largely gone unanswered. During his meeting with Biden at the White House on Thursday, Zelenskyy is expected to advocate for a shift in U.S. policy.

Zelenskyy began his U.S. trip with a stop at a Pennsylvania factory producing essential 155mm artillery shells. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he expressed gratitude to the plant’s employees and emphasized the significance of their work. “It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail,” he stated.

As he moves on to New York and Washington, Zelenskyy remarked that the next few weeks would be crucial in determining the outcome of the prolonged conflict that has resulted in countless casualties. He asserted, “It is now being determined what the legacy of the current generation of states leaders will be.”

In comments preceding his trip, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the U.S. and UK have refrained from allowing Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons due to concerns about escalating the conflict. However, he maintained hope for a change in perspective, referencing previous dialogues with Biden. “He later changed his point of view,” Zelenskyy noted.

A senior adviser to Biden recently indicated that the president aims to optimize U.S. support for Ukraine during his remaining time in office. While specifics of Ukraine’s plan remain undisclosed, Zelenskyy mentioned that Biden would be the first leader to review it in full before it is shared with other allied nations.

The Ukrainian president also plans to discuss the proposals with U.S. Congress, Harris, and Trump. The White House confirmed that Zelenskyy would meet with Harris separately from Biden, and he anticipates a meeting with Trump later in the week. While Harris has signaled continuity in Biden’s Ukraine policies, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the extensive aid packages extended to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy stated that the plan aims to ensure that “war will not return to us again in an even bigger wave” in the coming years. He plans to hold meetings throughout the autumn, with a comprehensive strategy expected to be ready by early November.

Among the proposals, Zelenskyy highlighted the need to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and secure a “clear place for Ukraine in the world’s security architecture.” He also suggested inviting Russia to a potential second international peace summit in November, although Moscow has already rejected the notion, insisting that Ukraine must first concede four of its regions.

In light of ongoing hostilities, Russian attacks over the weekend resulted in six fatalities, including two children, while a strike in Kharkiv injured 21 others. In response, Ukraine reported successful strikes on two arms depots within Russia, claiming significant damage to Russian military logistics.