Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the coming months will be crucial in determining the war’s course with Russia. Speaking at the American Academy of Achievement award ceremony, Zelensky urged allies to take an active role in shaping the war’s outcome, warning against allowing Russia and its “bloody allies” to dictate the future.
On 22 September, Zelenskyy began his US visit to present Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” to President Biden, Congress, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly. While specific details of the peace plan remain confidential, Bloomberg reported that it possibly includes points about Ukraine’s NATO and EU membership, push for economic and security partnerships, and continued supplies of advanced weaponry to Ukraine.
“We don’t have much time. The next few months will be decisive in this war, Russia’s war against Ukraine and all of you… We must define the outcome, not Russia and their bloody allies,” Zelenskyy said.
He framed the war with Russia as a struggle between freedom and authoritarianism.
“This is Russia’s war against freedom itself,” he declared.
Zelenskyy’s speech highlighted the importance of international support, particularly from the United States. He expressed gratitude for the assistance received thus far, noting that allies have contributed to Ukraine’s achievements and potential future successes.
He also stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to be faster, we need not to lose the next few months in war so that we don’t lose next decades.”
The president touched on the war’s broader implications, suggesting that its outcome would shape the world future generations inherit. He posed a stark choice between a world aligned with democratic values and one where “wars are permanent.”
Zelenskyy contrasted the recognition bestowed by the Academy with the actions of leaders like Vladimir Putin.
“There are no awards for killings they bring, for dreams they ruin, and for countries they burn today,” Zelenskyy said.
Related:
- Kremlin willing to study Zelenskyy’s victory plan only if published from “official sources”
- The New Yorker: Zelenskyy warns of “very long war” if Biden doesn’t support his victory plan
- CNN: Zelenskyy says long-range weapons ban lift key part of his “Victory Plan”
