Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to push Joe Biden for binding security guarantees before the US president’s term ends, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s position and pressure Russia into peace talks. In recent months, Zelenskyy has intensified efforts to prepare for potential negotiations with Moscow, anticipating a possible shift in US policy after the next presidential election.
In August, Zelenskyy ordered a military operation in Russia’s Kursk region to gain territorial leverage for future discussions. He has expressed readiness for a peace conference involving Moscow.
Ahead of his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly and talks with Biden, Zelenskyy told journalists that he will present a “victory plan” to the US president. This plan, which he hopes to implement by the end of December, aims to strengthen Ukraine and push Russia toward negotiations.
“The victory plan, this bridge to strengthening Ukraine, could pave the way for more productive diplomatic meetings with Russia,” Zelenskyy said in Kyiv on Friday. He described the initiative as Biden’s opportunity to cement his legacy as the president who secured Ukraine’s independence. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of acting before Biden’s term concludes in January, calling it a “historical mission.”
Despite ongoing territorial losses to Russia this year, Zelenskyy remains determined, though Russia has shown no willingness to engage in talks. He outlined four key points of the “victory plan” but did not provide further specifics.
Zelenskyy outlined the first point of his “victory plan” as seeking stronger security guarantees. While Ukraine has secured long-term commitments from the US and other Western allies, Zelenskyy wants firmer assurances, similar to the mutual defense guarantees that come with NATO membership.
The second point involves Ukraine’s ongoing operation in Russia’s Kursk region, which Zelenskyy said is successfully diverting Russian military power.
The third element of the plan is a request for “specific” advanced weaponry, though Zelenskyy did not provide details on the types of systems Ukraine seeks. The fourth point focuses on jointly developing Ukraine’s economy in partnership with its international allies.
“Today, you help us implement this plan, and in the future, Ukraine will save you many of your resources,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the mutual benefits.
He clarified that the “victory plan” is not intended to replace his “peace formula”—a 10-point initiative rooted in the UN Charter, which lays out a framework for a lasting peace. Instead, the victory plan aims to bring Russia to the negotiating table, where the peace formula can be discussed.
Zelenskyy firmly rejected any Minsk-style peace deal that would freeze the conflict, warning that Russia would simply invade again. “We need a just and stable peace,” he said.
While Brazil and China have proposed alternative peace plans, Zelenskyy criticized them for lacking substance and deviating from the UN Charter, calling them “political icebreakers.”
After addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Zelenskyy will travel to Washington to present the plan to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He also expressed plans to meet Donald Trump after his Washington visit.