Zelensky Reveals U.S. Push for Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal by June

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States is aiming for a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia by early summer. This statement comes despite ongoing challenges in negotiations, particularly surrounding territorial disputes and security guarantees. “They say they want to get everything done by June,” Zelensky remarked, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the U.S. efforts to end the conflict.

Zelensky detailed that Washington has proposed a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in the United States, likely in Miami, within a week. “We have confirmed our participation,” he stated. This initiative reflects a broader strategy by the U.S. to facilitate dialogue, even as significant barriers remain.

The Kremlin continues to insist that Ukraine must relinquish control of the Donbas region, a territory where approximately a quarter is still under Ukrainian defense. Ukraine has firmly rejected any notion of ceding this land, further complicating peace efforts.

As diplomatic discussions unfold, Russia has intensified its military actions against Ukraine. Recent attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure across several regions, with reports indicating the use of over 400 drones and around 40 missiles. The assaults specifically aimed at energy grids, generation facilities, and distribution substations, striking areas including Lviv, Rivne, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.

Amidst these strikes, Zelensky informed that Ukraine is experiencing severe winter weather, with temperatures dropping significantly. The Ukrainian energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, reported that Russian forces attacked vital components of the energy grid, including high-voltage overhead lines and two thermal power plants. Emergency blackouts have been enforced across the country as a precautionary measure.

According to Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the Lviv region military administration, more than 600,000 subscribers in Lviv were without electricity as of Saturday morning. The energy provider DTEK highlighted that these strikes mark the tenth large-scale assault on its facilities since the beginning of October. “DTEK’s thermal power plants have been attacked by the enemy more than 220 times since the full-scale invasion began,” the company stated.

Zelensky criticized Russia’s ongoing military strategy, stating, “Every day, Russia could choose real diplomacy, but it chooses new strikes.” He emphasized the need for Ukraine to be equipped with advanced air defense systems, including Patriot and NASAMS, to defend against these attacks and mitigate winter hardships. “Moscow must be deprived of the ability to use the cold as leverage against Ukraine,” he asserted.

The current situation underscores the complexities of achieving a peaceful resolution while military tensions escalate. As diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian impact of the conflict remains a critical concern for both nations and their citizens.