DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN ZELENSKYY'S PLANS FOR PEACE OR VICTORY

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield claims that the American side has already familiarized itself with Volodymyr Zelenskyy's new Ukrainian plan. However, when answering a journalist's question, she was referring to Zelenskyy's “peace plan,” while she was asked about the new one -- the Victory Plan -- that the Ukrainian president began publicly discussing last month. This plan, according to President Zelenskyy's inner circle, has not been seen by anyone. Various rumors are already circulating online about what it might contain, including a request to President Biden to invite Ukraine to join NATO by November of this year. However, the White House has commented that it remains waiting for Volodymyr Zelenskyy to present it himself.

Here are the numbers that currently describe both of Zelenskyy's formulas and the questions that may haunt you about them.

Zelenskyy's peace plan was first presented in November 2022, and included 10 comprehensive positions that outlined a strategic vision of peace in general, from nuclear, energy, and food security to the release of all prisoners and deportees and the implementation of the UN Charter and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and world order. The plan was received positively, as it was in line with the civilized world's idea of peace as such, but it raised doubts about the possibility of implementation and did not offer clear steps to end the Russian war.

Photo by the Office of the President of Ukraine

In June, Switzerland hosted the first of two planned peace summits, driven by a framework of Zelenskyy´s peace plan. Notably absent were Russia, China, and any representatives with direct influence over Moscow. This absence cast a shadow over the proceedings, as key players in the conflict were excluded from the table, leaving the negotiations symbolically aspirational yet practically stalled. With another summit scheduled for this fall, there is growing pressure from Western leaders to include Russia, believing that without its participation, the talks risk irrelevance.

Despite these calls, Russia has yet to confirm its attendance, and President Zelenskyy remains resolute in his stance that peace can be brokered without Moscow's direct involvement. His assertion underscores a broader strategy to rally international support, framing Russia as an outsider to the process. However, whether peace without the Kremlin is feasible or merely a strategic posture remains a central question as the diplomatic calendar ticks toward the next summit.

However, a month ago, President Zelenskyy began discussing a 'victory plan' being prepared with his closest advisors. While the details of this plan have not been publicly disclosed, conspiracy theories abound. Recently, Zelenskyy stated that the plan is 90% complete. Unlike the peace formula, this plan, according to Zelenskyy, “includes four points on strengthening military support for Ukraine, plus one focused on post-war needs.” The Ukrainian president intends to present this plan to his American counterpart during their meeting at the UN General Assembly.

Many Ukrainians are now asking whether these diplomatic efforts suggest that peace is not synonymous with victory, and victory not synonymous with peace. Is the victory plan merely a more technical version of the peace formula? Will it be discussed at the upcoming peace summit, or will separate platforms be established for it? Ultimately, it is becoming increasingly clear that resolving the military conflict with Russia may be impossible without Russia’s involvement, raising the risk of an endless cycle of new plans and formulas while Ukrainian population is shrinking enormously. As the U.S. enters its heated electoral period, Ukrainian strategies must not only outline what international partners should do, but also what Ukraine itself must contribute.