U.S. wants Ukraine-Russia peace deal by June, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the United States wants a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia to be concluded by June, even as major differences between the two sides remain unresolved.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said Washington has proposed a clear timeline for negotiations and is keen to finalise an agreement by early summer, CNN reported.

Zelenskyy indicated that the US administration is expected to apply pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow if progress is not made within the proposed timeframe. “They say they want to get everything done by June,” he said, adding that the US aims to ensure both parties adhere to the negotiation schedule.

Key Disputes Remain Unresolved

The push for a June deadline follows recent US-brokered trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi that failed to deliver a breakthrough. Core issues such as territorial control and security guarantees remain contentious. Russia continues to demand control over Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, a condition Ukraine has firmly rejected. Disagreements also persist over the future management of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelenskyy said the United States has proposed holding the next round of talks in the US, possibly in Miami next week, and confirmed Ukraine’s participation. Meanwhile, Washington has again suggested a limited ceasefire focused on halting attacks on energy infrastructure—an idea Kyiv has agreed to if Russia commits.

Also Read: Islamabad Blast: Suicide attack leaves 31 dead, 169 injured

The talks come amid continued Russian attacks. At least 15 people were killed when a Russian drone struck a service bus carrying miners in Ukraine’s Pavlohrad district on Saturday, according to Ukraine’s emergency services.