Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Washington aims to secure a truce with Russia by early summer. Negotiations remain deadlocked over Donbas territory and security assurances, as Moscow demands full control while Kyiv holds firm on current lines.
“They say they want to get everything done by June,” Zelenskyy said in Saturday’s presidential remarks. “And they will do everything to end the war. They want a clear schedule of events.”
“If the Russians are really ready to end the war, then it is really important to set a deadline,” he added. The U.S. suggested talks in Miami next week, with Ukraine confirming attendance.
Zelenskyy stressed U.S. monitoring pledges from Abu Dhabi discussions. “The American side says they can guarantee the monitoring.”
“There can no end to the war without security guarantees. This is an absolute certainty.”
He rejected any U.S.-Russia deals excluding Kyiv. “Ukraine will not support any such even potential agreements about us that are made without us.”
Russia then struck power infrastructure with over 400 drones and 40 missiles, shattering a U.S. energy truce.
“Energy facilities have suffered significant damage, which has affected the energy situation across practically the entire country, resulting in major power outages,” Zelenskyy said.
Hits spanned Lviv, Rivne, Kyiv, and Kharkiv amid freezing weather. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal noted attacks on key lines and plants, triggering blackouts. “Energy workers are ready to begin restoration as soon as the security situation allows.”
Over 600,000 in Lviv lost power. DTEK called it its 10th big strike since October.
Nuclear plants cut output, raising safety alarms.
“Every day, Russia could choose real diplomacy, but it chooses new strikes,” Zelenskyy said. “Moscow must be deprived of the ability to use the cold as leverage against Ukraine. This requires missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, and other (air defence) systems. Every shipment helps us get through this winter.”