Zelenskyy embarks on US visit to present victory plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his week-long visit to the U.S., where he plans to unveil a victory plan for the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. He will meet with two U.S. presidential candidates – Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris – as well as outgoing President Joe Biden.

“This fall will determine the future of this war. Together with our partners, we can strengthen our positions as needed for our victory – a shared victory for a truly just peace,” Zelenskyy said.

Biden is expected to be the first government official to see the completed plan.

“Of course, I will also present the victory plan to all the leaders of partner countries, who, like President Biden, are world leaders and can become leaders of peace by helping us” with the plan,” Zelenskyy said in a daily address to the nation.

His visit began at one of the few U.S. facilities located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, that make 155-millimeter artillery shells, including those for Ukraine. He is expected to address the United Nations’ (UN) General Assembly on September 24 and 25, and visit the White House on September 26 for meetings with Biden and Harris, both of whom have spoken to him previously. 

Zelenskyy continued: “We will also present it [victory plan] to Congress – to both parties … America has enough power to ensure, together with Ukraine, our allies and partners, what we want most.

The victory plan consists of four key points, the London-based The Times reported. 

“First, security guarantees for Ukraine from Western countries, akin to a mutual defense pact under NATO; second, the continuation of Ukraine’s offensive into the Russian Kursk region to secure a territorial advantage in negotiations; third, a request for specific modern weaponry; and fourth, international financial assistance for Ukraine’s war-torn economy,” the publication said.

The White House has expressed eagerness to see Zelenskyy’s plan and aims to align strategic objectives with Kyiv in the final four months of Biden’s presidency, said Michael Carpenter, senior director for Europe at the United States National Security Council, during an interview with Voice of America.