US “unimpressed” with Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan,” WSJ sources say

WSJ says US officials are skeptical of Ukraine's victory plan as Zelenskyy prepares to brief Biden amid growing tensions and battlefield challenges.

Sep 26, 2024 - 12:00

US “unimpressed” with Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan,” WSJ sources say

Ukrainian soldiers firing artillery, illustrative image. Photo via Eastnews.ua.

US officials have expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s proposed victory plan ahead of a crucial meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Joe Biden scheduled for 28 September. The plan, which has been billed by Zelenskyy as a framework to defeat Russia, is viewed by senior US and European officials as lacking a comprehensive strategy and offering no clear path to victory, according to The Wall Street Journal.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its third year, the US and its allies face difficult decisions about the extent of their support for Ukraine, particularly in light of Russia’s recent advances in eastern Ukraine and systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Despite Ukraine’s appeals amid escalated Russian air attacks on Ukrainian cities, Western countries, including the US and the UK, have restricted Ukraine’s use of their long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to prevent deep strikes inside Russia, allegedly aiming to avoid escalation.

The centerpiece of Ukraine’s plan reportedly involves requests for more weapons and the lifting of restrictions on long-range missiles. Finnish President Alexander Stubb told the WSJ that without the authority to use these weapons as Kyiv sees fit, Ukraine’s proposals would be “less relevant” in responding to Russian assaults.

However, the Biden administration has been reluctant to lift restrictions on US- and UK-provided long-range missiles, fearing potential “escalation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This stance has faced criticism from several European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who argue for giving Ukraine unrestricted use of long-range weapons.

NYT: Biden faces pressure to allow Ukraine longer-range strikes on Russia

WSJ says US and European officials familiar with the broad outlines of Ukraine’s plan describe it as offering little new strategy beyond repackaged weapons requests.

Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, defended the plan as “very specific and clear,” stating it contains both military and diplomatic components, as well as prospects for economic benefits.

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