Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that a new June deadline from the US for peace between Ukraine and Russia could be linked to Donald Trump's midterm election campaign. The Ukrainian president told reporters on Saturday that both sides had been invited to further talks next week, with the Trump administration likely to apply pressure to end the war by early summer.
Zelenskyy stated that the US was proposing to host the next round of trilateral talks in Miami within a week, and Ukraine had confirmed its participation. He acknowledged that the midterm elections were more important for the Americans, adding that if Russia is genuinely ready to end the war, setting a deadline is crucial.
US and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed securing a quick deal, with Ukraine suggesting a sequencing plan, though no specific details were provided. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy criticised Russia for a massive overnight attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, causing power outages, and urged that Moscow be deprived of using winter weather as leverage.
There are signs that the Russian economy is struggling, with slowing growth, falling oil prices, tax hikes, and reduced funding for welfare and healthcare due to defence spending. The UK has threatened to seize a Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker, as British defence sources confirmed military options to capture a rogue ship have been discussed with Nato allies.
President Trump has reportedly tapped military leaders for high-level diplomacy, with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll playing a key role in Russia-Ukraine talks. Driscoll has worked to maintain dialogue with Ukrainian officials between sessions, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
