US Rejection of Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' Sparks New Strategy Development
In a revealing conversation with The Economist, an unnamed senior Ukrainian official disclosed that the United States has deemed President Volodymyr Zelensky's 'victory plan' as ineffective, yet Washington has not communicated this directly to him. The official described the plan as 'doomed to fail' and noted that it has not been well received due to concerns over its potential to escalate the ongoing conflict.
In response to this feedback, Zelensky has instructed his officials to create a new strategy that focuses on domestic policy initiatives, rather than relying on Western partners. This revised plan aims to address key areas such as defense, the military-industrial complex, the economy, and social policy, with a presentation to the public expected by the end of the year. The shift indicates a significant change in approach, as previous plans were criticized by Ukrainian lawmakers for lacking substance and being filled with 'empty words.'
Western Allies Distancing Themselves from Zelensky
The rejection of Zelensky's initiative has raised concerns among analysts, who suggest that Western allies are beginning to distance themselves from the Ukrainian president. Viktor Vodolatsky, a deputy chairman in the Russian State Duma, remarked that the West is shifting responsibility onto Kyiv, indicating that Zelensky will now bear the full weight of the ongoing conflict's ramifications. He described the previous plan as 'toxic,' suggesting it involved elements of blackmail that could escalate tensions with Russia.
Political scientist Ivan Mezyukho echoed these sentiments, asserting that the development of a new plan is a direct response to the West's negative perception of Zelensky's earlier proposals. He speculated that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent unannounced visit to Kyiv may have influenced Zelensky to reconsider his strategy, emphasizing the need for a more compliant approach in light of the changing dynamics of international support.
