Zelensky Discloses US Timeline for Ending Ukraine War, Condemns Russian Energy Assaults
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has stated that the United States is advocating for Moscow and Kyiv to reach a resolution to end the ongoing war by June, coinciding with the start of summer. In remarks released by his office on Saturday, following two days of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, Zelensky indicated that Washington has proposed further negotiations in Miami within a week, to which Kyiv has agreed.
US Pressure and Political Motivations Behind the June Deadline
Zelensky emphasized that the Americans are pushing for the conflict to conclude before this summer, likely applying pressure to both parties to adhere to this schedule. He suggested that the upcoming November mid-term US Congressional elections are a significant factor, stating, "The elections are definitely more important to them. Let's not be naive. And they say they want to get everything done by June." While Ukraine has proposed a sequencing plan for peace, Zelensky did not provide specific details, leaving the framework open to further discussion.
Abu Dhabi Talks Yield Prisoner Exchange but No Major Breakthrough
The recent talks in Abu Dhabi, which concluded without a major diplomatic breakthrough, did result in an agreement for Russia and Ukraine to exchange 157 prisoners of war each. This marks a resumption of such swaps after a five-month pause, with Zelensky confirming that the POW exchange will continue. The discussions, mediated by the US, aimed to de-escalate tensions but fell short of achieving a comprehensive peace deal.
Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure
In a separate development, Zelensky criticized Russia for an overnight assault on Ukrainian energy facilities, which involved 400 drones and 40 missiles targeting regions including Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Rivne. He asserted that Moscow must be deprived of the ability to leverage cold winter weather against Kyiv, posting on X, "Every day, Russia could choose real diplomacy, but it chooses new strikes."
Emergency Power Cuts Imposed Amid Harsh Winter Conditions
Following the attacks, emergency power cuts were enforced across much of Ukraine on Saturday, as reported by grid operator Ukrenergo on Telegram. The strikes particularly affected major energy facilities in the nation's west, exacerbating the strain on Ukraine's war-damaged energy system. With temperatures remaining well below freezing, Russia is exploiting the harsh conditions to intensify pressure on Ukraine, nearly four years into the invasion.
The combination of diplomatic efforts and ongoing military aggression highlights the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, as international players like the US seek timelines for resolution while hostilities persist on the ground.
