US Wants Russia and Ukraine to End War by June, Says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the United States is encouraging both Russia and Ukraine to conclude their ongoing conflict by June. He mentioned that both nations have been invited to the US for talks next week.
– Invitation to Peace Talks:
– Zelensky asserted, America proposed for the first time that the two negotiating teams – Ukraine and Russia – meet in the United States, probably in Miami, in a week. We confirmed our participation.
– There has been no immediate response from either Washington or Moscow. However, former US President Donald Trump has been advocating for an end to the conflict since resuming office over a year ago.
– Ongoing Russian Attacks:
– As diplomatic efforts progress, so do Russian assaults on Ukraine’s energy facilities, exacerbating blackouts during severe winter conditions.
– Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported another significant attack on energy infrastructure, stating, Russian criminals carried out another massive attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities.
– Targeted assets included substations and overhead power lines that are crucial to Ukraine’s power grid, leading to an increased deficit in the system.
– Scale of the Attacks:
– Zelensky detailed that recent strikes involved over 400 drones and 40 missiles, with Ukrainian air-defense systems intercepting many of them.
– The primary targets included energy grids, generation facilities, and distribution substations. Reports indicate damage in at least four regions, including the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk areas.
– Humanitarian Impact:
– The situation has forced many Kyiv residents to seek refuge in metro stations to avoid airstrikes.
– They [Russians] make us live in inhumane conditions. Without heating, without electricity, said resident Oksana Kykhtenko.
– Significant Casualties:
– Tragically, one person was reported dead in the Rivne region, with several injuries noted in the Zaporizhzhia area.
– It was reported that approximately 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
– Zelensky’s Call for Support:
– As Russia continues its barrage, Zelensky emphasized on social media the need to deprive Moscow of using the winter cold as a weapon against Ukraine.
– He also highlighted the toll on energy infrastructure, stating, DTEK said the combined missile and drone strikes caused the most powerful blow to infrastructure so far this year.”
– Future Peace Talks:
– The prospect of a trilateral meeting between Ukrainian and Russian leaders was discussed during US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, although Zelensky indicated that difficult issues remained difficult, particularly concerning territorial concessions.
– The Ukrainian leader noted, The Americans say that they want to do everything by June. Why before this summer? We understand that their domestic issues in the US will have an impact.
In conclusion, Zelensky’s remarks regarding the US’s desire for Russia and Ukraine to end the war by June highlight the ongoing tension and humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict. As diplomatic discussions unfold, the situation remains precarious, with many lives and vital infrastructure at stake.