Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan: Urgent U.S. Support Needed as Ukraine Faces Critical Battle

A Call for Swift Action
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will present a victory plan to the White House, urgently calling for immediate U.S. support to bolster Ukraine’s war effort. The plan underscores the critical nature of the situation, challenging the Biden administration to act swiftly—something it has struggled with since Russia’s invasion began over two and a half years ago. Delays in Western support have exacerbated Ukraine’s losses, and now Kyiv is pressing for action before a potential shift in U.S. leadership in January.

A Plan Under Scrutiny
Although the specifics of Zelenskyy’s proposal remain confidential, some details have surfaced. According to Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, the plan includes a demand for NATO membership—Kyiv’s central request and a key point of contention with Moscow. Additionally, Zelenskyy is expected to request permission to use long-range weapons to strike deep within Russian territory, a red line for many Western allies.

As Zelenskyy prepares to present his plan to President Biden on Thursday, Ukrainian forces are engaged in fierce battles in the eastern region, particularly in Vuhledar. Soldiers like Kyanin, stationed on the front lines, hope Biden will approve Zelenskyy’s requests, stating, “We need thousands of tanks, weapons, and ammunition.”

Kyiv Sets the Terms
The victory plan is Kyiv’s response to mounting pressure from Western allies and war-weary citizens pushing for a cease-fire. Zelenskyy’s strategy hinges on rapid support from Ukraine’s partners. Historically, Western nations have been slow to grant military aid, often rendering it less effective by the time it reaches the battlefield. Zelenskyy is now pushing for a drastic change in this pattern.

The plan is divided into military, political, diplomatic, and economic components. A senior U.S. State Department official, who remained anonymous, noted that the military element focuses on Ukraine’s immediate needs to maintain pressure on Russia. Politically, the plan seeks to reassure Ukrainians that continued resistance will be rewarded with full integration into Western institutions such as NATO and the European Union.

Zelenskyy’s proposal also calls for strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and increasing sanctions on Russia. Kyiv hopes that such measures will force Moscow to the negotiating table.

The Cost of Delay
As part of the victory plan, Zelenskyy has also pointed to Ukraine’s recent military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region as proof of its offensive capabilities. While the incursion embarrassed the Kremlin, it has not made significant strategic gains. However, it serves as a reminder to both Russian citizens and Western allies that Ukraine can still strike back despite facing immense pressure on the eastern front.

Zelenskyy has described his plan as a “bridge to the Peace Summit” he is proposing for November. However, Russia has already indicated it will not attend. Zelenskyy’s earlier 10-point peace plan, which called for the complete withdrawal of Russian forces, also failed to gain international support capable of influencing Moscow.

Ukrainian officials have rejected proposals from countries like China and Brazil, arguing that they would only freeze the conflict, giving Russia time to rebuild its military. One presidential advisor warned that such a scenario could lead to another invasion within a few years. The rejection is based on the belief that a cease-fire would only prolong the conflict and give Russia an opportunity to regroup.

The Urgency of Time
Military analysts agree that time is not on Ukraine’s side. Prolonging the current situation could lead to significant territorial losses and strengthen Russia’s war machine. Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military analyst based in Kyiv, warned that Ukraine could lose up to 1,000 square kilometers by the end of the year if Western allies do not act decisively. The potential consequences of delayed action are grave, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Russia’s rapid advancements in weapons production have become a critical concern. The country has significantly upgraded its aerial glide bombs, weighing 3,000 pounds—six times heavier than those used in earlier battles. Kovalenko argues that long-range Western weapons are the only effective countermeasure against such threats.

As Zelenskyy makes his case in Washington, Ukrainian forces are holding critical defensive lines in Vuhledar. The fall of this town would disrupt supply lines to the southern front and deal a severe blow to Ukrainian morale.

Biden’s Final Plea
In his address to the U.N. General Assembly, President Biden urged Ukraine’s supporters not to waver in their commitment. “We cannot grow weary. We cannot look away,” Biden said, reinforcing the crucial need for unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. He emphasized the importance of continued backing in this critical time.

The success of Zelenskyy’s victory plan now hinges on whether the U.S. and its allies will heed the call for immediate, decisive action.