In a stirring speech before the Ukrainian parliament, President Zelenskyy unveiled a strategic plan for peace – one that’s both bold and clear-eyed about the realities Ukraine faces. His message, aimed not only at Ukrainians but at the international community, underlined the gravity of the war and the urgency for collective action. It’s a plan rooted in resilience and foresight, designed not merely to end the war but to secure a lasting peace.
While parts of the plan remain classified, world leaders like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and even Donald Trump have been briefed. What we know is that it consists of five distinct points: the first geopolitical, the second and third military, the fourth economic, the fifth security – all supplemented by three secret annexes. Each point reflects Ukraine's determination to resist Russian aggression, but Zelenskyy emphasized that success is only possible with the help of international partners.
"Russia isn’t seeking an honest peace. Putin has gone mad with war and will not change," Zelenskyy said in a speech that echoed the frustrations felt by many. "He is too much from the past, too much from yesterday. Together, we must change the circumstances so that Russia is forced to make peace. It’s not about what Putin wants anymore – it’s about what the world demands."
Let’s break down Zelenskyy’s peace plan by its five points:
1. Geopolitical Front: Ukraine in NATO
Zelensky’s plan begins with a foundational geopolitical shift: Ukraine’s entry into NATO. This, he argues, would change the calculus for Putin. It would send a signal to Moscow that the days of Soviet-era spheres of influence are over. Ukraine, as a NATO member, would no longer be a gray zone of uncertainty but a part of the transatlantic alliance. It’s a daring move, but one that Zelenskyy believes could turn the tide by showing Russia that its aggression has backfired.
2. Military Defense: Removing Restrictions, Strengthening Ukraine
The second point is military. The experience of the Kursk operation, where Ukraine’s forces successfully pushed back Russian troops, proved that when Ukraine is fully supported, it can win. But Zelenskyy knows that for this to happen, the restrictions on the use of long-range weapons on Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and even within Russia’s military infrastructure must be lifted. With the right support – long-range missiles, drones, and other advanced weaponry – Ukraine can defend its land and force Russia into a corner.
3. Containment: A Strategic Deterrent Package
Zelenskyy proposes the deployment of a non-nuclear strategic deterrent on Ukrainian soil, sufficient to counter any future military threats from Russia. The idea is clear: after years of aggression, Ukraine must not only win the current war but also ensure its long-term security. This deterrent package would serve as a shield, keeping Russia at bay for generations to come.
4. Economic Alliance: A Partnership for Resources and Reconstruction
Ukraine is not just a battlefield – it’s a land of incredible resources. Critical metals worth trillions of dollars are concentrated within its borders. Zelenskyy’s plan includes a proposal for a special agreement between Ukraine, the U.S., and the EU to protect, invest in, and share these resources. The message is simple: Ukraine’s future is not just about survival, it’s about prosperity, built with the help of allies who believe in Ukraine’s potential.
5. Security: Ukrainian Forces in Europe
Finally, Zelenskyy envisions a post-war role for Ukraine in Europe’s security framework. If the plan is agreed upon, Ukrainian troops could replace U.S. military units stationed in Europe. It’s a testament to Ukraine’s proven fighting capability and resilience. Ukrainian soldiers, battle-hardened in the fight against Russian aggression, have shown that they can stand firm against one of the world’s largest armies. Post-war, they could become a crucial pillar of Europe’s security, reinforcing the idea that Ukraine is not a victim but a key player in the defense of democracy.
Zelenskyy’s peace plan is not simply a wish list. It’s a roadmap to peace that recognizes the brutal realities of the war while daring to envision a future where Ukraine is safe, sovereign, and prosperous. It’s a plan that requires international solidarity – not just in words but in action. The plan calls on Ukraine’s partners to step up, recognizing that Ukraine’s fight is not just its own; it’s a fight for the values that bind democratic nations.
As Zelenskyy himself pointed out, “Putin won’t change.” But the world can. By supporting Ukraine – through NATO, through military aid, through economic partnerships – the international community can help bring an end to this war on terms that ensure lasting peace, not just for Ukraine but for Europe and beyond. Peace, Zelenskyy argues, must be built through strength. And with the right support, Ukraine can help lead the way.
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