KYIV, Ukraine — The United States has set a deadline for Ukraine and Russia to finalize a peace agreement by June, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced to reporters. The call for resolution comes amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which have forced nuclear power plants to scale back their operations.

Zelenskyy’s comments, made in a press briefing, outlined the U.S. administration’s expectation for both parties to reach an agreement by early summer. Should this timeline be missed, the U.S. is likely to exert further pressure to ensure compliance. “The Americans want an ideal timeline for all parties involved,” he explained, noting the urgency conveyed by U.S. officials.

The next round of trilateral talks, which will include representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, is tentatively scheduled for next week. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s participation in what would be the first such meeting in the U.S., likely taking place in Miami. This meeting aims to address a range of diplomatic and economic issues that have complicated peace negotiations.

In a notable development, Russia has submitted a substantial economic proposal, referred to as the “Dmitriev package,” named after its envoy Kirill Dmitriev. This proposal is a central element of ongoing discussions about broader bilateral ties between the U.S. and Russia.

Despite the push for negotiations, Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have intensified, with more than 400 drones and 40 missiles launched overnight. Targets included crucial facilities necessary for power generation and distribution, which affect the entire energy grid. The state energy operator, Ukrenergo, reported that the assaults forced all nuclear facilities under Ukrainian control to reduce output significantly.

The recent strikes marked the second attack on energy infrastructure this year, prompting a substantial increase in power shortages across Ukraine. The ongoing military aggression is making power outages more frequent as the country struggles to maintain its energy supply during harsh winter conditions.

Zelenskyy expressed concern regarding the lack of progress made during previous peace talks held in Abu Dhabi. Sticking points remain, particularly Russia’s demand for Ukraine to withdraw from contested regions in the Donbas, a condition that Ukraine firmly rejects. “We’ve restated our position: we will not yield on the Donbas,” he asserted.

The situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control, remains contentious and unresolved. Zelenskyy also cast doubt on a U.S. proposal to establish a free economic zone in the Donbas as a potential compromise, highlighting the contrasting perspectives on what such an arrangement would entail.

The dialogue has included discussions about the technical aspects of monitoring a potential ceasefire, with the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to assist in this area. However, skepticism surrounds the feasibility of a ceasefire, given past violations. Ukraine is open to a pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, but Zelenskyy noted that previous agreements have been disregarded, adding to the mistrust.

As air assaults continue to disrupt daily life, the humanitarian impact is becoming increasingly severe. Strikes on infrastructure have compromised heating and water supplies during a bitter winter, deepening the challenges faced by civilians. The urgency for a diplomatic solution is greater than ever as both the geopolitical landscape and the humanitarian situation evolve.