Ukraine's President to Meet with US Leaders
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is anticipated to meet with US President Joe Biden in September. During this meeting, Zelensky plans to introduce a strategy for victory against Russia. Notably, this plan will also be presented to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as they prepare for the November election.
Zelensky stated, "The plan is prepared. I think it’s right that I first present this plan to the US President." He further explained that the success of the plan hinges on whether Ukraine receives the support outlined in the plan.
Ukraine's Victory Plan
Zelensky's plan includes the Kursk region, a part of Ukraine's victory plan. Despite the ambitiousness of this plan, Zelensky believes it to be crucial.
Since the Kursk incursion began on August 6, there have been speculations that the operation's shock factor is aimed at gaining leverage in potential future negotiations with Moscow. Another reason cited by Ukraine officials for the Kursk operation is to divert Russian manpower from the front lines in Donbass.
Putin's Response and Zelensky's Strategy
President Putin, however, has stated that the Kursk invasion has closed all opportunities for peace talks. Zelensky, on the other hand, believes that his victory plan will build enough leverage on the battlefield, with Western support, to negotiate with Moscow on equal terms.
Zelensky's plan includes securing Ukraine's position in the strategic security infrastructure of the world and a package to compel Russia to end the war through diplomatic means.
Need for Western Support
Zelensky has also been urging NATO to escalate its involvement, claiming that his Kursk operation has shown that Putin's 'red lines' are non-existent. He has requested Europe and the US to allow the use of long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, wanting 'no limits' on the use of Western weapons systems.
However, a ban is currently in place that prevents Kiev forces from attacking deep into Russian territory using US-made ATACMS missiles and British-made Storm Shadows. Despite this, there's evidence that ATACMS missiles are already being used in the context of Kursk.
US Presidential Candidates' Stance on Ukraine
Kamala Harris is expected to continue Biden's policy of arming Ukraine while avoiding ceasefire talks. In contrast, Trump has promised to work on a deal to end the war immediately, even claiming to achieve peace within 24 hours. However, Ukraine officials have expressed their reservations about this, as it would require Ukraine to permanently give up territory in the east.
Bottom Line
The upcoming meeting between Ukraine's President and US leaders could significantly influence the future of Ukraine's conflict with Russia. Zelensky's victory plan, if supported by the US, could potentially change the dynamics of the conflict. However, the stance of the US Presidential candidates on this issue varies greatly, which adds an element of uncertainty to the situation. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm.
