US pushes for Ukraine-Russia peace talks, Zelensky confirms June goal

• US proposes peace talks between Ukraine and Russia next week, likely in Miami, aiming to end the war by June.
• Ukraine has agreed to the US-hosted meeting but will not accept deals made without its participation, especially on territorial issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States aims to end the war between Ukraine and Russia by June, inviting both sides to hold negotiations next week on US soil.

Zelensky said the talks would likely take place in Miami and that Ukraine has agreed to the meeting. He emphasized that Kyiv will not accept agreements made between Washington and Moscow without Ukraine’s participation, particularly regarding territorial issues.

Dispute Over Territory

Russia, which occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, demands control over the entire Donetsk region in any peace deal, requiring Ukrainian forces to withdraw from areas they still hold. Moscow has threatened to seize the territory by force if negotiations fail. Ukraine seeks a halt to combat along current frontlines and US security guarantees to deter further Russian attacks.

Economic Zone Proposal

The US has proposed creating a “free economic zone” in the contested eastern regions, where neither side would maintain a military presence. Zelensky stressed that even with such a zone, “we will need fair and reliable rules” to ensure its effectiveness. Negotiations have yet to produce an agreement on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, currently under Russian control.

Russian Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

As part of a continued campaign to pressure Ukraine, Russian forces have intensified strikes on energy facilities. Overnight Friday to Saturday, Ukraine reported attacks involving 408 drones, 382 of which were shot down, and 39 missiles, 24 of which were intercepted.

Severe Damage Reported

The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy reported “serious damage” to power substations, forcing nuclear plants to reduce output. Private energy company DTEK said critical equipment at thermal power plants was heavily damaged, marking the “tenth major attack” on such infrastructure since October 2025. Millions of Ukrainians have experienced electricity and heating outages during sub-zero temperatures, with Kyiv expected to reach minus 20 degrees Celsius by Monday.

Appeal for European Support

During a meeting in Kyiv with French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna, Zelensky called on European countries to provide air defense systems and military aircraft to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks.

Moscow Assassination Attempt

The renewed attacks follow an assassination attempt in Moscow targeting Russian military intelligence General Vladimir Alekseev, who was severely injured. Moscow blamed Ukraine for the attempt, accusing it of trying to disrupt ongoing negotiations. Previous assassination attempts in recent years have targeted high-ranking Russian officials and pro-war figures, some claimed by Kyiv.