Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that the United States is keen on resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia by the beginning of summer. During a press briefing, Zelensky noted that U.S. representatives in Abu Dhabi have proposed an energy ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted, while Russia has yet to respond.
Further discussions are scheduled for next week in Miami, but Zelensky remarked that no progress was made on territorial issues during the recent talks in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, he mentioned that the U.S. has agreed to participate in monitoring any ceasefire agreement once established.
In a separate development, Zelensky stated that the U.S. and Russia may sign a package of economic documents valued at $12 trillion. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring alternative dialogue channels with Russia to ensure European involvement in the negotiation process.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian air defense forces reported the interception of 24 Russian missiles and 382 drones in a recent wave of attacks. However, the strikes have affected the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, leading to a decrease in electricity generation.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that energy infrastructure, including substations and thermal power plants, has been targeted, resulting in significant damage and power outages across multiple regions. Emergency power cuts have been implemented in response to the attacks.
Casualties from the recent strikes include one fatality and several injuries across various regions, with residential buildings and critical infrastructure sustaining damage. In Rivne, a residential building was hit, while in Kyiv, a logistics center was almost completely destroyed.
In a broader context, Zelensky emphasized the need for more progress in peace negotiations, particularly following a report that Russia has rejected a U.S. proposal for full control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as part of a potential peace agreement.
As the conflict continues, the Ukrainian military remains engaged in combat operations, with recent reports indicating a decrease in the intensity of Russian assaults. However, Russian military leadership is reportedly planning a large-scale offensive in the summer, suggesting a lack of immediate interest in concluding the war.
In the wake of these developments, the Ukrainian government is also focusing on energy resilience, with recent efforts to strengthen the energy system following repeated attacks on critical infrastructure.
President Zelensky has indicated that the U.S. is striving for a resolution to the conflict with Russia by summer, while ongoing military actions continue to impact Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Recent attacks have led to casualties and significant damage across various regions.
