Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed that the United States is pushing for an end to the war with Russia by June and has invited both countries to new negotiations scheduled for next week.
Speaking on Saturday, Zelensky said Washington had proposed a fresh round of talks involving both sides in the United States.
“America proposed for the first time that the two negotiating teams – Ukraine and Russia – meet in the United States of America, probably in Miami, in a week. We confirmed our participation,” he said.
There was no immediate response from either Washington or Moscow. However, US President Donald Trump has consistently advocated a swift resolution to the conflict since returning to office more than a year ago.
Zelensky’s comments followed a second round of US-brokered peace discussions held in Abu Dhabi, which ended on Friday without any major breakthrough. According to the Ukrainian leader, key sticking points remain unresolved.
“Difficult issues remained difficult,” he said, citing sensitive matters such as territorial concessions that Ukraine is under pressure to consider.
He added that discussions also explored, for the first time, the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving national leaders rather than negotiating teams, but cautioned that “preparatory elements are needed for this.”
On the proposed timeline, Zelensky noted: “The Americans say that they want to do everything by June,” adding, “We understand that their domestic issues in the US will have an impact.”
While diplomatic efforts continue, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, triggering widespread blackouts during freezing weather conditions.
Ukraine’s energy authorities reported that substations, power plants and transmission lines were targeted, significantly worsening electricity shortages.
Emergency power assistance has been requested from neighbouring Poland.
Zelensky said the latest overnight assault involved more than 400 drones and 40 missiles. Although air defence systems intercepted most of the projectiles, damage was recorded across multiple regions, leaving thousands of residents without electricity.
Officials reported power outages affecting at least 6,000 people in parts of western Ukraine, while strikes also hit major thermal power facilities. One person was confirmed dead in the Rivne region, with several others injured elsewhere. Homes and critical infrastructure were also damaged.
In Kyiv, residents again sought shelter in metro stations as air raid alerts sounded.
Ukraine has also carried out strikes inside Russia, reportedly targeting a facility involved in producing missile fuel components in the Tver region. Russian authorities have not commented on the claim.
The developments highlight the contrast between ongoing diplomatic efforts and continued hostilities, as both sides prepare for potential new negotiations under US mediation.
