Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently addressed the UN Security Council, stating that the war in Ukraine must end based on United Nations rules. He referred to Russia’s actions as “insane” and claimed that Ukraine has information indicating Russia’s plans to target three nuclear plants in the country. Zelenskyy urged the UN to compel Russia to adhere to the UN charter, highlighting the need for action rather than mere talks to bring an end to the conflict. He also called on countries part of the BRICS alliance to participate in peace efforts.
During his visit to the US, Zelenskyy expressed his intention to present his complete “victory plan” to President Biden at the White House on September 26th. He is also set to discuss this plan with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The Ukrainian President’s plan, which will serve as the basis for future peace negotiations with Russia, has been described as outlining the terms under which Ukraine is willing to engage in discussions. Zelenskyy hinted that the plan does not include any proposed concessions to Russia, and he suggested in an interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be currently ready to engage in negotiations.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the US included an address to the UN General Assembly in New York and a visit to an arms ammunition factory in Pennsylvania. While he has previously hinted at the preparation of his victory plan, the exact contents have not been disclosed. The Ukrainian President has emphasized the importance of this plan as a starting point for any future peace talks with Russia. He is scheduled to discuss the plan with President Biden and the two presidential candidates, Harris and Trump, during his visit to Washington later in the week. Trump’s past remarks suggest a potential difference in the level of support Ukraine might receive from his administration compared to that of Biden.
In a debate with Kamala Harris earlier this month, Donald Trump refrained from clearly stating whether he wanted Ukraine to prevail in the ongoing conflict. This has raised questions about the stance Trump’s administration would take regarding the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s efforts to push for an end to the conflict through the presentation of his victory plan indicate a strong commitment to resolving the situation. His call for action from the UN and other countries, as well as his engagement with key figures in the US government, demonstrate a proactive approach to seeking peace and stability for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s strong stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, coupled with his efforts to engage with international partners and present a comprehensive plan for victory and subsequent negotiations, reflects his commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict. By highlighting the need for action and the importance of United Nations rules, Zelenskyy has positioned himself as a proactive leader seeking support from the international community. His discussions with President Biden and the presidential candidates indicate a willingness to engage with key figures in the US government to advance peace efforts in Ukraine. The upcoming meetings in Washington will likely shed more light on the specifics of Zelenskyy’s victory plan and potential avenues for diplomacy towards ending the war.