US Imposes June Deadline for Ukraine-Russia Peace Agreement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed that the United States has established a strict June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to finalize a peace agreement to conclude the nearly four-year-long conflict. Zelensky cautioned that Washington is prepared to escalate pressure on both nations should this timeline not be met, as Russian military strikes persistently devastate Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure.
Washington's Clear Timeline for Conflict Resolution
Speaking to journalists, President Zelensky elaborated that the Trump administration is demanding a definitive schedule to bring the war to an end. "The Americans are proposing the parties end the war by the beginning of this summer and will probably put pressure on the parties precisely according to this schedule," Zelensky stated. He emphasized, "And they say that they want to do everything by June. And they will do everything to end the war. And they want a clear schedule of all events."
Next Round of Trilateral Talks Scheduled for US Soil
Zelensky confirmed that Washington has suggested hosting the upcoming trilateral discussions involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia within the United States next week, with Miami as a potential venue. "We confirmed our participation," he declared. This meeting would mark a historic first, as such high-level negotiations have never previously occurred on American territory.
Russia's Massive $12 Trillion Economic Proposal
During the negotiations, Russia presented an extensive $12 trillion economic package to the United States, referred to by Zelensky as the "Dmitriev package," named after Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. This proposal represents a significant element in the ongoing diplomatic efforts, though details remain under discussion.
Intensified Russian Strikes Cripple Ukrainian Energy Sector
Zelensky reported that Russia launched over 400 drones and approximately 40 missiles in a single overnight assault on Saturday, specifically targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "The targets included the energy grid, generation facilities and distribution networks," he posted on social media platform X.
Ukraine's state energy transmission operator, Ukrenergo, confirmed this was the second mass strike on energy systems since the year began. The attacks forced all nuclear power plants in controlled territories to reduce their load after missile strikes hit key high-voltage substations. Eight facilities across eight regions were damaged, significantly increasing the national power deficit and extending rolling blackouts nationwide.
No Breakthrough in Recent Abu Dhabi Negotiations
The newly announced June deadline follows US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi that failed to yield any substantial progress, as both sides maintained firmly opposing positions. Russia continues to insist on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Donbas region, where intense fighting persists—a condition Kyiv has consistently rejected.
"Difficult issues remained difficult," Zelensky acknowledged. "Ukraine once again confirmed its positions on the Donbas issue. 'We stand where we stand' is the fairest and most reliable model for a ceasefire today, in our opinion." He indicated that the most sensitive topics would likely only be addressed in a trilateral meeting between the leaders themselves.
Disputes Over Nuclear Plant and Donbas Economic Zone
Zelensky noted that no agreement was reached regarding the management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He also expressed skepticism about a US proposal to transform the Donbas into a free economic zone, highlighting ongoing disagreements.
Ceasefire on Energy Strikes Proposed Again
Negotiators additionally discussed the technical monitoring of a potential ceasefire, with the US reaffirming its commitment to play a role. Washington has once again proposed a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukraine is prepared to observe such a pause if Russia commits, Zelensky said, but he recalled that a previous one-week pause suggested by the US was violated by Moscow after merely four days.
Russian attacks on Ukraine's power grid have intensified in recent months, causing widespread blackouts and disrupting heating and water supplies during a severe winter, further straining the nation as the protracted war continues.
