Zelenskyy Says U.S. Sets June Deadline for Ukraine-Russia Peace as Energy Strikes Intensify

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States has given Kyiv and Moscow another deadline to reach a peace agreement, proposing that the nearly four-year war should end by June, as Russia escalates air strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said he expects the administration of Donald Trump to apply pressure on both sides to meet the timeline.

“The Americans are proposing the parties end the war by the beginning of this summer and will probably put pressure on the parties precisely according to this schedule,” Zelenskyy said. “They say that they want to do everything by June. And they will do everything to end the war. And they want a clear schedule of all events.”

Zelenskyy also revealed that Washington has suggested a new round of trilateral talks between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia to be held next week on U.S. soil, likely in Miami. He confirmed that Ukraine has agreed to participate.

In a video posted on X, Zelenskyy said his negotiating team was meeting in Ukraine for in-person consultations and would report on sensitive aspects of the recent U.S.-brokered discussions in Abu Dhabi that could not be handled remotely.

“We are preparing for the next meetings — trilateral ones,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that Ukraine’s parliamentary diplomacy remains active in Washington, citing outreach led by Parliament Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, who has met with U.S. lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Earlier U.S.-brokered trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi concluded this week without a breakthrough, underscoring the deep divisions between the warring parties.

Meanwhile, Russia continued its campaign against Ukraine’s energy system. Overnight Saturday, Russian forces launched more than 400 drones and roughly 40 missiles targeting power grids, generation facilities, and distribution networks across the country.

Ukraine’s state energy transmission operator, Ukrenergo, said the assault marked the second mass strike on energy infrastructure since the start of the year. Eight major facilities across eight regions were hit, “significantly” increasing the national power deficit.

“As a result of missile strikes on key high-voltage substations that ensured the output of nuclear power units, all nuclear power plants in the territories under control were forced to reduce their load,” Ukrenergo said.

Ukrainian authorities imposed rolling blackouts nationwide, while local officials reported severe damage to power plants in western Ukraine, including the Burshtyn and Dobrotvirska facilities. Emergency assistance was requested from neighboring Poland as repairs began under difficult security conditions.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Ukrainian nuclear power plants reduced output following damage to substations and transmission lines.

Zelenskyy suggested the June deadline may be tied to U.S. political considerations, noting that President Trump has pledged to end the war quickly and is expected to campaign for Republicans ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

“The elections are definitely more important for the Americans. Let’s not be naïve,” Zelenskyy said. “But if the Russians are really ready to end the war, then it is really important to set a deadline.”

Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, major obstacles remain. Russia continues to demand Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of the Donbas, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Zelenskyy also expressed skepticism about proposals concerning the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and ideas floated by U.S. mediators, including turning parts of eastern Ukraine into a free economic zone.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains open to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire banning strikes on energy infrastructure, but only if Russia fully complies. He noted that a previous, limited pause was violated by Moscow within days.

The intensified attacks come as Ukraine faces one of its harshest winters in years, with millions experiencing disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supplies as diplomatic pressure mounts to bring the war to an end.

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