Zelensky’s bold new war plan aims for deep strikes inside Russia with U.S. weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has presented a bold new plan to end the war with Russia, suggesting a dramatic escalation: carrying out deep strikes into Russian territory using U.S.-supplied weapons. This move, which could shift the dynamics of the ongoing war, is a controversial strategy that aims to disrupt Russian military operations and weaken Moscow’s capacity to continue the fight.

Zelensky’s call for U.S. weapons to target Russian infrastructure is meant to intensify pressure on Russia to withdraw from occupied territories and force peace talks on Ukrainian terms. The plan includes the use of advanced Western weapons systems, including long-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets, to hit strategic targets deep within Russia. Ukraine has already shown the potential of such strikes, using Western weapons to defend against missile attacks and launching targeted operations into Russian border regions, such as Kursk.

While Zelensky remains confident in his strategy, many Western allies, including the United States, have expressed concern. Escalating the war by attacking Russian territory could provoke retaliatory actions, with fears of nuclear escalation looming large. U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has acknowledged Ukraine’s military success but has voiced reservations about directly endorsing these deeper strikes, as it risks expanding the conflict beyond its current borders.

Despite this, Zelensky has been clear about the necessity of such a strategy. According to Ukrainian military officials, these strikes could cripple Russia’s ability to sustain the war, disrupting supply chains, military operations, and even key political figures within Russia. The proposal is part of a larger push by Zelensky to solidify Western support for a more aggressive approach, arguing that weakening Russia at its core is the only way to secure Ukraine’s future.

Deepening the conflict: a high-stakes gamble

The potential for deep strikes into Russia presents a significant gamble. Experts warn that while Ukraine could benefit from weakening Russian infrastructure, the risk of retaliation could backfire. Russia has already indicated that it views such actions as crossing a red line, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissing any negotiations based on Zelensky’s proposed “peace formula,” which includes territorial recovery and justice for war crimes.

According to military analysts, Ukraine’s success in pushing back Russian forces in key areas like Kursk has boosted morale. The recapture of border towns and the destruction of Russian military positions have demonstrated that Ukraine has the capacity to carry out significant offensives. However, with Russia redeploying over 30,000 soldiers to the region and continuing intense battles in the Donbas area, any move to escalate the conflict further into Russia could lead to a wider regional war.

Zelensky has emphasised that the strikes would target military and logistical hubs, not civilian infrastructure, in order to avoid direct confrontation with the Russian public. Nevertheless, the fear of nuclear retaliation remains. Russia has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons if its territorial integrity is compromised, a line that could be crossed if Ukrainian strikes hit deep inside its borders.

Experts weigh in: Is Zelensky’s plan viable?

Military experts are divided on whether Zelensky’s plan is a game-changer or a dangerous provocation. Some argue that expanding the war into Russia could shift the balance in Ukraine’s favour, forcing Russia to pull back its forces from key areas like Crimea and Donbas. Others caution that such a strategy could trigger a massive escalation from Moscow, possibly leading to direct confrontation with NATO allies.

According to some officials, the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in strikes inside Russia would be a violation of tacit agreements made with Western allies, which have focused on helping Ukraine defend its territory rather than attack Russian soil. Despite these concerns, Ukrainian commanders insist that targeting Russian supply lines and military assets in its own territory is crucial to speeding up the end of the conflict.

A path to peace or more destruction?

As Zelensky pushes for a more aggressive military strategy, the question remains: Will deep strikes into Russia bring peace or further escalate the conflict? With intense battles still raging in eastern Ukraine, especially in Donetsk and Luhansk, the war shows no signs of abating soon. U.S. officials have continued to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence but are cautious about the broader implications of striking Russian territory.

For now, Zelensky’s plan remains a high-stakes gamble. Whether the international community will rally behind him or urge restraint could define the next phase of this brutal conflict. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader continues to advocate for a comprehensive victory, not just through military means but also by holding Russia accountable for war crimes and ensuring justice for the victims of the invasion.