Allies do not expect breakthrough from Zelenskyy's Victory Plan

Some Western officials are advising against expecting much from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Victory Plan in the US this week. They do not see it as a "breakthrough".

As reported by Bloomberg, one person familiar with Zelenskyy's conversations with foreign leaders said the president's Victory Plan contained no real surprises and did not dramatically change the situation.

Another source called the plan a "wish list".

According to two sources, at least one ally has suggested that the time has come for a new round of engagement with Vladimir Putin, whether by Zelenskyy or other countries.

Western countries are also beginning to worry about their own security as Russia continues to produce weapons that could have an impact beyond Ukraine.

Zelenskyy is presenting his plan on the sidelines of the annual session of the UN General Assembly. One official said that while allies want to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, Zelenskyy needs to clarify what peace might look like.

Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday that the plan is intended to strengthen Ukraine's position in upcoming diplomatic talks with Russia.

Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said in New York on Monday that the plan is aimed at obtaining an invitation to join NATO and urged partners to ignore Russia's threats of escalation.

With no indication that the Kremlin plans to back down, the allies are also discussing the possibility of reaching out to Putin just ahead of the G20 meeting in Brazil in November, according to one source.

US officials have tried to dampen hopes that they will approve Kyiv's request to use long-range US-supplied missiles to hit targets deep inside Russian territory.

Zelenskyy spoke about the situation at the front and elements of the Victory Plan at a meeting with a bipartisan delegation of the US Congress in New York.

In addition, Zelenskyy said that Russia's war against Ukraine was "closer to the end" than many people think and called on allies to strengthen Ukrainian forces.