Zelensky: Washington plans to end the war in June with negotiations in Miami
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed rapid diplomatic developments led by the United States aimed at ending the ongoing military conflict with Russia, indicating that Washington has set a timeframe to end the war by next June. These statements come at a time of intense international activity to resolve the crisis, which has cast a shadow over the global economy and security.
Upcoming negotiations in Miami
In press statements published Saturday morning, Zelensky explained that the US administration had offered to host a new round of talks between the Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams. The Ukrainian president confirmed that the meeting would likely take place in Miami next week, noting that Kyiv had given its initial approval as part of its efforts to achieve a just peace.
Kyiv's conditions and red lines
Despite agreeing to negotiate, Zelenskyy drew clear red lines, emphasizing that his country would not accept any agreements the United States made unilaterally with Russia without direct Ukrainian participation. "They say they want to finalize the matter by June, but we will not be party to agreements cooked up behind closed doors without our involvement," Zelenskyy stated, reiterating the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.".
The context of American pressure and the reality on the ground
These moves come amid increasing pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump on both Moscow and Kyiv to end the war that first broke out in February 2022. The current US administration is seeking a quick diplomatic victory by pushing both sides to make mutual concessions.
On the ground, the situation remains extremely complex, with Russian forces controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. Moscow insists on full recognition of its sovereignty over the eastern Donbas region as a condition for a settlement, which would require the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the remaining areas they control in those regions—a condition Kyiv categorically rejects, considering it an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The strategic importance of the next phase
The coming weeks are crucial in determining the course of the conflict. The success of the Miami negotiations could pave the way for a ceasefire, while their failure could lead to a new military escalation before the June deadline hinted at by Washington. The international community is watching these talks with caution, given their direct impact on global energy markets and geopolitical stability in Europe.
