Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the US wants the war with Russia to end by June, adding both sides had been invited to the US for talks next week.
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 comment from Washington or Moscow, but US President Donald Trump has been pushing for an end for the conflict since he took office again more than a year ago.
Meanwhile, Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure - causing further widespread blackouts during freezing conditions.
In comments released on Saturday, Zelensky told reporters what had taken place during the second round of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which ended on Friday with no reports of a breakthrough.
Zelensky said difficult issues remained difficult, including territorial concessions that Ukraine is under pressure to make.
He said the parties discussed, for the first time, the possibility of a trilateral meeting between leaders, not simply representatives, but cautioned preparatory elements are needed for this.
Asked whether a time frame had been given for an agreement, the Ukrainian leader replied: The Americans say that they want to do everything by June.
Why before this summer? he added. We understand that their domestic issues in the US will have an impact. These issues include the November midterm elections, which could affect the balance of power in the US government.
As the diplomacy continues, so too are Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities.
Ukraine's energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, wrote on Telegram about another massive attack on Ukraine's energy facilities.
Substations, which control the flow of electricity, and overhead power lines that form the backbone of Ukraine's power grid were targeted, Shmyhal said. Power plants were also struck.
Ukraine's state-owned energy operator, Ukrenergo, stated that the power deficit in the power system of Ukraine significantly increased following the latest attacks.
Shmyhal mentioned that neighboring Poland had been asked for emergency power supplies.
Zelensky reported that the previous night’s attacks involved over 400 drones and 40 missiles, with air-defense systems intercepting most but not all of them. The main targets were the energy grid, generation facilities, and distribution substations.
Damage was reported across several regions with Kyiv residents once again taking shelter in metro stations due to the unrest.
The situation is dire as an increasing number of people are left without power in harsh winter conditions, further straining the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Despite attempts at peace negotiations, the ongoing conflict continues to escalate, posing severe challenges for Ukraine as they navigate both military and humanitarian crises.
