In a surprising twist, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky may be open to freezing hostilities with Russia along specific sections of the front line, according to a report by the German tabloid Bild. This shift in strategy reflects an evolving approach to the conflict, with Zelensky allegedly preparing to present his revised plan to U.S. leaders in the coming weeks.
Strategic Ceasefires and Long-Range Missiles
The report suggests that Zelensky’s updated strategy revolves around two key components. First, Ukraine could accept localized ceasefires along certain parts of the frontline, effectively freezing the situation in those areas. Second, and perhaps more controversially, Zelensky is expected to ask for permission from Western allies to use long-range missiles supplied to Kiev to strike deep within Russian territory.
This approach signals a potential pivot in Ukraine’s tactics, possibly reflecting the challenges of sustaining a full-scale war while relying heavily on Western support. Zelensky’s strategy, however, hinges on the approval of Ukraine’s Western backers, as these long-range strikes would likely escalate the conflict.
Putin’s Stance: No Pause for Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously dismissed any notion of a ceasefire that could give Ukraine time to regroup, rearm, and recover. In July, Putin made it clear that Russia is seeking a “complete and final end” to the conflict, rejecting what he called a “pause” that would benefit Kiev. Moscow’s stance is that any ceasefire would have to be on Russia’s terms, which include Ukraine withdrawing from territories Moscow claims and guaranteeing it will not join NATO.
Despite this, Ukraine’s leadership seems poised to explore alternatives that might bring a temporary halt to the fighting in some regions, while still pursuing its broader military and diplomatic goals.
A New Pitch to the U.S.
In the coming weeks, Zelensky is expected to travel to the United States to present his revised strategy. According to Bild, this pitch will be aimed at President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump, outlining Ukraine’s demands for more Western military support. The most controversial of these demands is likely to be permission to launch strikes deeper into Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles.
Zelensky is also expected to emphasize the need for continued financial and military aid, suggesting that Ukraine’s victory depends heavily on what Washington is willing to provide.
Western Concerns Over Long-Term Support
Zelensky’s trip to the U.S. comes amid growing concerns from Western leaders about the sustainability of their support for Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy privately urged Ukrainian officials to adopt a more “realistic plan,” acknowledging that a full Ukrainian victory would require “hundreds of billions of dollars” in support—something neither the U.S. nor Europe is likely able to sustain long-term.
The report signals a potential shift in Western patience, with Zelensky being pushed to consider more pragmatic approaches to the conflict, including the possibility of freezing certain parts of the frontline.
Ukraine’s Vision: 1991 Borders or Bust
Since the start of the war in February 2022, Zelensky has been adamant about restoring Ukraine’s 1991 borders, which includes reclaiming Crimea from Russian control. Ukraine’s official position remains focused on either militarily or diplomatically returning all occupied territories. However, as the war grinds on and resources become more limited, the feasibility of this goal may be questioned by both Ukraine’s leaders and its international supporters.
Moscow, for its part, has repeatedly stated that Crimea is “not up for discussion” and insists that Ukraine must accept the “reality on the ground.”
The Road Ahead
Zelensky’s upcoming visit to the U.S. could mark a pivotal moment in the conflict, as he seeks to balance the demands of the battlefield with the practical realities of sustained Western support. Whether his new strategy, which mixes localized ceasefires with deeper strikes into Russia, will be accepted by his allies remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the war in Ukraine is at a crossroads—one where both sides are recalibrating their goals and strategies in a complex and shifting landscape.
