Zelensky: Washington is pushing to end the war in June, with negotiations in Miami
In a notable press statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed a strong US effort to end the war between his country and Russia by next June. Zelensky explained that the United States has offered to host a new round of talks between the Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams next week, suggesting that these meetings will likely take place in Miami.
Details of the American offer and the Ukrainian position
In statements published Saturday morning, the Ukrainian president confirmed that Washington had "offered for the first time that the negotiating teams meet in the United States," noting Kyiv's initial agreement to this new meeting. Zelenskyy added, quoting the American side, "They say they want to finalize the matter by June." However, the Ukrainian president emphasized his country's political principles, asserting that Kyiv would not accept any agreements concluded unilaterally by the United States and Russia, nor would it recognize any outcomes of talks in which Ukraine did not participate directly, reiterating the slogan "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.".
Context of international pressure and the Trump administration
These statements come at a time when the administration of US President Donald Trump is exerting strong pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to end the military conflict that has drained resources and threatened global stability. Since returning to the White House, Trump has adopted an approach aimed at accelerating diplomatic solutions, driven by a desire to reduce foreign spending and realign US geopolitical priorities. Setting June as a deadline reflects Washington's desire to resolve this thorny issue before engaging in other political commitments, and an attempt to impose a new reality that will stem the bloodshed and material losses.
Background of the conflict and the complex field situation
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, triggering the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II. Over the years, the fighting has devolved into a protracted war of attrition, with Russia currently controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. Moscow maintains its demands for full control of the eastern Donbas region, which would require the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the remaining areas they control. Kyiv, for its part, considers these conditions unacceptable and an infringement on Ukraine's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The importance of the event and its expected effects
The call for negotiations in Miami represents a significant shift in the course of the crisis, as diplomatic efforts move from European and Middle Eastern capitals to the heart of the United States. The international community is watching closely for the outcome of these moves, as ending the war or even achieving a lasting ceasefire would have far-reaching positive consequences, from stabilizing global energy and food markets to easing security tensions in Europe. However, formidable challenges remain given the wide gap between the Kremlin and Kyiv on the terms of a final settlement.
