The War of Words: Ukraine’s Victory Plan and the West’s Reluctance
Well, well, well, gather round, comrades! In the shining halls of Brussels, a summit was held—because, let’s face it, what’s a week in Europe without a meeting to discuss geopolitical issues over a cup of decaf espresso? This time, it’s Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky taking the stage, living proof that you can indeed rock a suit and still throw verbal punches. He had one hour, yes, an entire hour—to pitch his vision for victory against Russia to the 27 EU leaders. That’s like giving a TED Talk after which you expect them to sign a petition!
Now, amidst the high-stakes atmosphere, we had Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda jumping in with the kind of honesty that normally only comedians can afford. He boldly stated that Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’ highlights what the West hasn’t decided on for years. Well, that’s one way of putting it! It’s like watching a sitcom where the main characters are too wrapped up in their own shenanigans to notice the flat tire on the getaway car. And speaking of tires, Zelensky reiterated his five-point plan with all the enthusiasm of a stand-up comic reconnecting with a fickle audience.
Bring the War to Russia – Or Not?
Here’s where things get a bit spicy. Zelensky called for longer-range weapons to bring the fight to Russia, basically saying, “Let’s make them feel the heat of the battle! Let Putin have a taste of his own medicine!” Now, I’m all for bringing the fight, but perhaps less in the vein of giving it a Michelin star. While Zelensky’s passion is commendable, the big players, like the U.S., France, and the UK, are still holding back like they’re at a buffet and can’t decide between the chicken or the fish.
Joe Biden, bless his heart, remains cautious. After all, escalating things with a nuclear power isn’t the kind of “keeping it spicy” we want, right? Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had all the warmth of a brick wall, firmly shutting down any notions of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine. His response? “You know what decision I have made, and it is not going to change.” Riveting stuff, really! At this point, you wonder if his email signature includes, “Unyieldingly German.”
EU’s Cozy Blanket of Support
So what’s the EU plan? A warm, fuzzy promise of help. They’re lining up like good friends trying to assist a buddy who’s just lost a game—only the stakes here are a tad higher. A statement echoed around the room that peace negotiations can only happen on Ukraine’s terms. It’s a bit like telling the chef he can only cook your meal if you bring the ingredients. Sure, let’s hope that approach works out smoothly—no burnt soufflés, please!
Force Russia to the Table—With What, Exactly?
Now, here’s where Zelensky puts on his diplomacy hat. His plan for victory doesn’t hinge on the whims of Russia but rather leans heavily on the goodwill of its allies—because let’s face it, real friends willingly chip in on the pizza. He hinted at three secret protocols to strengthen Ukraine. Ah, yes, the ol’ “trust me, it’s all in the bag” approach! One has to wonder if those protocols come with fine print saying, “Results may vary.”
But fear not, Zelensky believes that if his plan kicks off, we could be waving goodbye to this war by next year! Now, before you start chanting “peace at last,” let’s remind ourselves that diplomacy tends to be much more like a marathon than a sprint—lots of energy expended without a guarantee of crossing the finish line first.
To sum it all up, this summit has brought out the theatrics with Zelensky playing the passionate protagonist and the EU leaders, bless them, trying to play supportive but cautious sidekicks. The trajectory remains unpredictable, like watching a cat in a room full of laser pointers. Who knows where the next dot will appear? Buckle up, folks—the geopolitical comedy is just getting started!
“When I look at Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’, I see above all what we, the West, have not decided in recent months, and even years,” declared Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda at the beginning of the summit. the EU, in Brussels. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had one hour to promote his plan for victory in the defense against Russian aggression to the 27 Heads of State and Government of the EU.
Zelensky reiterated the five points that he had already presented yesterday, Wednesday (10/16/2024) before the Ukrainian Parliament. There will be no new decisions on his central demand that his country immediately join NATO, the Western military alliance, either at the Brussels summit or at the parallel meeting of NATO defense ministers. The Lithuanian president, Gitanas Nauseda, would be in favor of accepting Ukraine. Other countries, first of all, the leading power in NATO, the United States, are opposed. The risk of a direct conflict with nuclear power Russia would be too great.
“Bring the war to Russia”
Volodymyr Zelensky again demanded that Western allies once and for all authorize the use of longer-range weapons so that Ukraine can attack targets in Russia. Russians must feel the war in their own country, said the Ukrainian president, who has been organizing and directing Ukraine’s defensive campaign for almost 1,000 days. “Russians must feel the war on their own territory and start hating (Russian ruler) Putin,” Zelensky told his colleagues in the conference room.
Lithuanian President Gitanaus Nauseda is in favor of Ukraine joining NATO.Image: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/dpa/AP/picture alliance
The United States, France and the United Kingdom would have supplied cruise missiles and rockets that could also be used to attack military targets inside Russia. The American president, Joe Biden, with whom Zelensky spoke again by phone and who is expected in Berlin this Friday (10/18/2024), has so far refused to authorize it. The Americans argue that the risk of a new escalation is too great. In Brussels, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again ruled out reconsidering his negative stance.
“You know what decision I have made, and it is not going to change,” Scholz told reporters. The German chancellor rejects the idea of sending German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which could be used to hit Russian targets. However, in Germany, the opposition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian partner, the Christian Social Union (CSU), and parts of the government coalition, are calling for the shipment of Taurus systems. From a military point of view, it would be necessary to combat Russian supplies and logistics in Russia. The NATO military confirms again and again between the lines that Ukraine can never win any other way.
EU promises more help
Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan for victory does not include an offer to renounce the territories of Ukraine occupied or annexed by Russia in violation of international law. In a joint statement, EU members reaffirmed that peace negotiations can only take place on Ukraine’s terms and that no decision can be made without including Ukraine.
“Force Russia into diplomacy”
The Ukrainian president made it clear that the implementation of his “Victory Plan” did not depend on Russia, but on the will of its allies. He referred to three secret additional protocols to his plan, which contain new measures to strengthen Ukraine. “Some of our partners have to move,” Zelensky said. The goal is a second international peace conference, in which Russia should also participate. This should be held at the end of November. Ukraine must be strong to be able to carry out “strong diplomacy.” “We must force Russia to engage in real diplomacy,” stressed the Ukrainian president. The war could end next year, Zelensky promised, if his plan for victory is carried out.
(gg/cp)
