Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the United States is pushing for a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia by early summer, despite ongoing difficulties in negotiations.
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cnn.comHe remarked, "They say they want to get everything done by June," emphasizing the urgency of establishing a timeline to resolve the conflict.
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san.comThe US has proposed that Ukrainian and Russian delegations convene in the United States, likely in Miami, within a week to discuss the terms of a potential agreement.
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cnn.comZelensky confirmed Ukraine's participation in these talks, stating that Washington is committed to facilitating a resolution and providing a clear schedule of events.
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itv.comHowever, Zelensky acknowledged the significant barriers to reaching an agreement, particularly regarding territorial disputes and security guarantees.
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cnn.comHe noted that Russia has maintained its stance on demanding Ukraine's withdrawal from the Donbas region, a request Ukraine has firmly rejected.
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san.comitv.com"We stand where we stand," Zelensky stated, reiterating that the current frontline serves as the basis for any ceasefire negotiations.
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cnn.comThe Ukrainian president expressed concerns about ongoing discussions that may occur between the US and Russia without Ukraine's involvement, emphasizing that Ukraine would not support any agreements made without its consent.
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san.comHe highlighted the importance of security guarantees in any potential resolution, stating that "there can be no end to the war without security guarantees.".
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cnn.comZelensky's comments came amidst a backdrop of renewed Russian military actions targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with recent strikes involving over 400 drones and numerous missiles.
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cnn.comThese attacks have caused significant damage to energy facilities across several regions, leading to widespread power outages.
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itv.comUkrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that emergency blackouts were implemented as a result of the strikes, which targeted key components of the country's energy grid.
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cnn.comThe US has previously proposed initiatives aimed at energy de-escalation, which Ukraine has agreed to, but Russia has yet to respond to these proposals.
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itv.comZelensky noted the critical nature of the energy situation, especially with freezing temperatures expected in the coming days.
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cnn.comHe urged for increased military support, including air defense systems, to help Ukraine withstand the winter months and prevent Russia from using energy resources as leverage.
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cnn.comAs the deadline for a peace agreement approaches, the international community remains watchful of the developments in Ukraine, particularly given the complexities surrounding territorial disputes and security assurances.
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san.comitv.comThe upcoming trilateral talks in the US could serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, but the path to a peace agreement remains fraught with challenges.
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cnn.comIn summary, while the US aims for a resolution by June, Zelensky's remarks illustrate the ongoing struggles in negotiations and the pressing need for security guarantees amid continued Russian aggression.
