Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his government's "victory plan," drafted to bring peace on terms acceptable to Ukraine, is now ready after weeks of preparation.
The plan, which Zelensky pledged to present to US President Joe Biden soon, "has fully prepared – all points, all key emphases, the necessary appendices with details to the Plan have been identified," Zelensky said in his nightly address to the nation. "Everything has been worked out. The most important thing now is the determination to implement it."
Zelensky said last month that he would present such a plan to US President Joe Biden before the US election in November. Although he has given no details or dates, Zelensky is scheduled to travel to the US next week to attend the United Nations general assembly.
In his address, Zelensky suggested that the plan strives for a complete end to the conflict, and not a temporary solution such as a cease-fire that could be used to shift around troops and prepare for further conflict.
"There is, and can be, no alternative to peace, no freezing of the war, or any other manipulations that will simply shift Russian aggression to another stage," he said. "We need reliable and long-term security for Ukraine, and, therefore, for all of Europe."
Although many predict the war could drag on through net year, some observers cite numerous signs that peace may be closer.
They cite Ukraine's seizing of Russian territory last month to bolster its bargaining position, the government restructuring its debt in August so it can access markets more easily for reconstruction, and a recent flurry of international diplomatic activity pushing for peace talks.
