The Ukrainian government’s “victory plan” for the incoming Donald Trump administration seeks to influence the US president-elect by highlighting potential business deals, access to raw materials, and troop deployments.
According to The Financial Times (FT), Ukrainian and European officials report that Ukraine’s allies in Europe and the US, including senior Republicans, are consulting on how best to propose initiatives that encourage closer cooperation with Kyiv rather than cut essential aid to the country.
These proposals stem from concerns among Ukrainian and European officials that Trump may move quickly toward a peace deal with Russia, potentially jeopardizing Western support for Ukraine.
Two of the ideas reportedly presented to Trump are outlined in Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan.” They were later presented to the Ukrainian president during his meeting with Trump in New York in September.
One proposal suggests replacing some US troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian forces after the war ends. The other, initially conceived by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, proposes sharing Ukraine’s critical natural resources with Western partners, according to sources involved in drafting Zelensky’s plan.
A source familiar with the meeting said Trump expressed interest in these two points.
Ukrainian business leaders are also in talks with the government about granting Trump “investment screening” powers that would allow him to select who can do business in the country. An insider described this concept as “ABC—anybody but China,” a stance believed to resonate with Trump.
Certain Ukrainian industries, particularly those relying on Chinese technology and materials like telecommunications, could transition to US suppliers, potentially attracting Western investment. While still in its early stages, some business leaders close to the presidential administration believe this idea could appeal to Trump.
After Trump’s re-election last week, Zelensky reported a “great” first phone call. However, officials in Kyiv and its allies worry the US could reduce military support when Republicans take office in January.
Officials added that Ukraine and its allies fear Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthened by Russia’s battlefield successes, may “drive a hard bargain” and pressure Washington into a peace deal favoring Moscow.
A person involved in drafting Kyiv’s proposal remarked, “The first to blink loses this game. Putin thinks he is on a winning track and can secure everything he wants.”
Meanwhile, European officials are concerned about being excluded from Trump-led negotiations and lacking influence over any potential solutions that could impact European security in the medium term.
Western allies have reacted somewhat indifferently to the “victory plan,” especially regarding the call for NATO membership for Kyiv and advanced weapons support.
An individual involved in the planning stated that Ukraine began drafting its proposals over the summer “to establish our narrative before Trump establishes his.”
Long frustrated by President Joe Biden’s reluctance to escalate military support, Kyiv hopes Trump will find the points specifically tailored for him compelling.
“The level of dissatisfaction with the Biden administration had reached a point where they felt it was time for change, and that this change [to Trump] could be beneficial,” the source said.
Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Ukrainian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, described the offer to the incoming US president as “a strategic move to demonstrate that Ukraine is not a burden on the West.”
“Trump wants to be a winner, not a loser. To be a winner, he needs to show Putin his place,” Merezhko added.
Sources also indicate that Kyiv aims to “appease the Trump camp” by replacing Oksana Markarova, its ambassador to Washington. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson had called for Markarova’s dismissal after she organized an all-Democrat visit to a US munitions factory for Zelensky in September.
Former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was reportedly offered the post but declined.
