Ukraine’s “victory” in its war with Russia “essentially” depends on US support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday.
The statements come ahead of the November presidential election in the United States, which could be a game-changer for kyiv if Republican Donald Trump wins.
This “victory plan (…) depends essentially on the support of the United States” and “other partners”, said the Ukrainian head of state, specifying that he would discuss it with the outgoing president Joe Biden.
It is to be unveiled before the second Ukraine peace summit expected later this year and aims to “seriously strengthen Ukraine” and “force Russia to end the war,” he said.
Republicans Divided
The Ukrainian president had already mentioned the preparation of this plan during a press conference at the end of August, without giving further details. He had then limited himself to saying that the Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk that began at the beginning of the same month was part of it, with the hope of establishing a balance of power more favorable to kyiv at the time of possible peace negotiations with Moscow.
Republicans are deeply divided over Ukraine, and a successful election for Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, Joe Biden’s political heir, could radically change Washington’s foreign policy.
Trump’s aides have suggested that if he wins, he will use the aid to force kyiv to make territorial concessions to Russia in order to end the war.