Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukraine is preparing a comprehensive peace plan, which he aims to unveil by November. This plan, intended to end the ongoing conflict with Russia, will be shared with both former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris, who are both major candidates in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Zelensky’s decision to involve Trump and Harris underscores his intent to ensure that any potential new administration in Washington is fully informed and engaged with Ukraine's efforts to secure a fair resolution to the war.
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The peace plan, as outlined by Zelensky, will address key issues such as energy security, food safety, and the release of Ukrainians who have been forcibly moved into Russia. Importantly, Zelensky has made it clear that dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin is off the table as long as Russian forces continue to occupy Ukrainian territory. He emphasized that any negotiations that involve territorial compromises would be unacceptable, a stance that aligns with Ukraine's long-held position that the war can only end with the full restoration of its territorial integrity.
Zelensky's strategy includes a phased approach, with the first stage of the plan expected to be ready for discussion at the United Nations General Assembly in September. During this time, Zelensky hopes to secure broader international support and lay the groundwork for the full peace plan's release in November. The plan's success, according to Zelensky, heavily depends on the backing of the United States, making his forthcoming discussions with Trump and Harris critical.
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The Ukrainian leader has been vocal about his skepticism regarding Trump’s previously stated intentions to end the war "in 24 hours" if re-elected. Zelensky has invited Trump to visit Ukraine to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation. He also expressed his willingness to engage with any concrete peace proposals Trump might have, although he remains doubtful that Trump's approach would align with Ukraine's needs, particularly if it involves concessions to Russia.
This announcement comes at a time of significant military activity in the region. Ukrainian forces have recently made incursions into Russia's Kursk region, signaling a shift in the momentum of the conflict. Despite these advances, Zelensky's focus remains on achieving a sustainable and just peace, rather than simply relying on military victories.
Trump, who has previously lauded Putin's strategic moves in the early days of the invasion, has not yet detailed his plan for resolving the conflict. However, his past comments and the potential for a U.S. policy shift have made Zelensky keen to ensure that any peace efforts are consistent with Ukraine’s interests.
Zelensky’s upcoming peace plan and his strategic outreach to key American political figures underscore the high stakes of the 2024 U.S. election not just for America, but for Ukraine's future as well. With Biden's tenure drawing to a close, the direction of U.S. foreign policy could pivot depending on the outcome of the election, making Zelensky's engagement with Trump and Harris a critical component of his broader strategy to secure peace for Ukraine.
