KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to agree on terms to end their ongoing conflict. This comes as Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have intensified, forcing nuclear power plants to reduce their output.
Zelenskyy remarked that if both sides fail to reach an agreement by June, the U.S. may intensify its demands for compliance. “The Americans are eager to see a resolution by early summer,” he told reporters.
Next week, the U.S. plans to host trilateral talks, possibly in Miami. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s participation, signaling a serious commitment to diplomacy.
Recent Russian aggressions have resulted in over 400 drone and missile strikes aimed at Ukraine’s energy facilities, damaging critical power infrastructure. According to the state operator, Ukrenergo, such attacks have led to rolling blackouts across the country as nuclear plants cut back on energy production.
This marks the second mass strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year. The energy shortfall caused by these attacks has been described as “significant,” pushing Ukraine to extend power outages across various regions.
The talks in Abu Dhabi earlier this year ended without a breakthrough, with both nations holding firm on opposing demands. Russia insists that Ukraine must withdraw from the contested Donbas region, a demand that Ukraine categorically rejects. Zelenskyy stated, “We are firm on our position regarding the Donbas and we won’t change that.”
Moreover, discussions about managing the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remain unresolved. Zelenskyy exhibited skepticism regarding a U.S. proposal that could convert the Donbas into a free economic zone as part of the negotiation process.
Security experts weigh in on the situation, noting that the ongoing conflict has global implications. According to a recent study by the International Crisis Group, the war has destabilized not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries, affecting economic conditions across Europe.
Public sentiment on social media reflects a mix of hope and skepticism regarding the upcoming negotiations. Many users express doubt about Russia’s commitment to any ceasefire. Zelenskyy highlighted that while Ukraine could honor a ceasefire that prohibits strikes on energy infrastructure, past agreements have often been broken.
As the war continues, the situation remains dire. Recurrent aerial assaults have wreaked havoc on families, disrupting heating and water supply in the cold winter months. The U.S. proposes a ban on strikes targeting energy infrastructure, but trust remains a significant barrier to achieving peace.
For more on developments in Ukraine, visit AP News on Russia-Ukraine.
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