Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States has set a June deadline for Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement, aiming to conclude the nearly four-year-old conflict. The US is reportedly planning to exert pressure on both parties to meet this timeline and has proposed further trilateral talks in the US next week, which Ukraine has confirmed it will attend.
President Zelensky stated that the US administration, under President Trump, is insisting on a clear schedule for resolving the conflict, with a proposed meeting likely in Miami. This initiative follows recent US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, which, despite prisoner exchanges, did not achieve a significant breakthrough due to entrenched demands from both sides. Russia continues to insist on Ukraine withdrawing from the eastern Donbas region, a condition Kyiv firmly rejects and which is constitutionally prohibited.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, launching numerous drones and missiles. Zelensky condemned these actions, highlighting that Russia’s continued strikes undermine diplomatic efforts and allow it to use the cold as leverage. He urged international supporters of the negotiations to respond to Moscow’s aggression.
In parallel with the peace talks, there are reports of significant economic agreements being prepared between the US and Russia, some of which may involve Ukrainian interests. The exact nature and implications of these potential $12 trillion economic deals remain unclear.
Zelensky emphasized that effective security guarantees for Ukraine are paramount before any ceasefire agreement can be considered. He reiterated that Ukraine did not initiate the war and that Russia must be the one to end it, while thanking the United States for its facilitation and assistance in the peace process.