Experts analyzed Ukraine's victory plan and highlighted what it should contain
Ukraine is set to present its victory plan to U.S. President Joe Biden and two presidential candidates – Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The document, which could potentially be historic, is expected to include several key points crucial for Ukraine. Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko and former General Staff spokesman, military expert Vladyslav Seleznyov, shared their thoughts on what these points are and which ones should be included there, in a comment for TSN.ua.
"This is primarily a set of proposals for the U.S. Most likely, there will also be broader context, not only addressing the U.S. But it’s important to understand why Zelenskyy is going to the U.S. with this plan right now," said political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko, commenting on the victory plan.
He added: "The reason is that Ukraine's victory plan is currently relevant in the U.S. Why? When the law on aid to Ukraine was passed in April, the authors of this bill - Republican congressmen - specifically included a provision requiring President Biden to present a victory plan. The U.S. plan on how to ensure Ukraine's victory in the war against Russian aggression."
According to him, this topic emerged in the U.S. back in April.
"Undoubtedly, this was connected to the pre-election competition between Democrats and Republicans," Fesenko explained. "It was a kind of trolling of Biden, hinting that Biden is overly cautious and lacks a clear strategy - particularly regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine. It’s not enough to just provide aid. What’s the goal of this aid? So far, there’s no plan. Given all this, it could be one of the topics. Republicans may accuse Biden of not having a clear, systemic position on the strategy of aiding Ukraine. The Ukrainian side senses this and likely decided to get ahead of the situation."
Additionally, Fesenko says: "Debates and budget processes are beginning in the U.S., with two months left before the elections. So, we decided to act preemptively. Instead of waiting for Biden and Trump to propose something, we are offering our position, as we see it. We’ll be presenting this position to both Democrats and Republicans simultaneously."
What could the victory plan include?
Regarding this question, Fesenko answered: "We don’t know all the details, but one thing is certain - there will be a point about lifting restrictions on strikes against Russian territory using long-range Western weapons. That will definitely be in there. The key is how it will be formulated. Our proposals have already been made, including a list of targets. I think there will be a rationale for why this is necessary and how it could influence Putin and force him to negotiate. During his press conference, Zelenskyy mentioned that the goal of this plan was to compel Putin to begin negotiations, but not under conditions of ultimatums to Ukraine."
Fesenko also speculated on other possible points in the plan: "What else might be in the plan? Certainly, I think it will address providing Ukraine with weapons that would give it a significant advantage over Russia. Continuing military and financial aid to Ukraine will definitely be included. Furthermore, I think there will be a focus on increasing sanctions pressure on Russia - possibly not just through sanctions. Trump recently proposed an interesting idea of crashing oil prices as the best way to pressure Putin. History shows that this is a very effective tool. Given that Russia is funding the war largely through its oil revenues, this could be a key element."
Fesenko also discussed recent experience: "Experience shows that we were often told "no" many times. But after a while, we were told "yes", albeit with some delays. This happened with heavy weapons, air defense systems, tanks, and F-16s. There was a long saga about the F-16s. It’s similar now. There’s no absolute ban on using American weapons for strikes on Russian territory - some restrictions have already been lifted. This is just the first step. I don’t think there will be a quick, immediate result, but the main thing is for this plan to become part of the internal American debate. It’s good that we’ve taken an active position. Patience is needed."
Former General Staff spokesman and military expert Vladyslav Seleznyov offered his perspective on the victory plan: "The key determining factor is the question of resources, and the permission to use these resources on Russian territory. If we get a positive answer to this question, then we’re in business. Wars aren’t won with slogans, statements, or dreams."
When asked about the likelihood of success for the future victory plan, Seleznyov responded: "It’s 50/50. Either they’ll listen, or they won’t. To stop evil, it must be destroyed. It can’t be destroyed barehanded - you need missiles."
Read also:
- The Russians change the strategy for advancing on Vuhledar: an expert discusses possible developments
- Russian offensive in Donetsk region: Zelenskyy issued tasks for military on two fronts
- Russia attacked energy facilities in seven regions - Ministry of Energy
- Russia's offensive in Donetsk region: Ukrainian soldiers reveal what's happening in Toretsk