US Aims for Peace Between Ukraine and Russia by Summer, Claims Ukrainian Leader
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has revealed that the United States intends for the conflict between Ukraine and Russia to come to a halt by the summer season. He also mentioned that both nations have been asked to meet in the US for discussions in the coming week.
"For the first time, the suggestion has come from America for the two negotiating factions – Ukraine and Russia – to convene in the United States, with the likely location being Miami, in one week's time. We have given our confirmation," he shared.
While neither Washington nor Moscow have issued an immediate response, it's known that the US president has been advocating for the cessation of this conflict since he resumed office just over a year ago.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia has perpetuated its assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, resulting in more widespread power outages in freezing weather conditions.
Highlights from Recent Peace Talks
Over the weekend, Zelensky reported on the events during the second round of peace talks mediated by the US in Abu Dhabi. These discussions concluded on Friday, with no significant breakthroughs reported.
According to Zelensky, "challenging issues stayed challenging", highlighting the territorial concessions Ukraine is being pressured to make. He added that, for the first time, the idea of a three-party meeting involving the leaders of the countries, not just representatives, had been discussed. However, he cautioned that "preparatory steps are necessary for this".
When queried about a potential timeline for a resolution, the Ukrainian president responded, "The Americans have expressed their desire to achieve everything by June. 'Why before this summer?' he queried. 'We understand that their domestic issues in the US will play a role.'
Continued Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Facilities
As diplomatic efforts are underway, Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy facilities persist.
"Russian offenders launched another extensive strike on Ukraine's energy facilities," Ukraine's energy minister announced on a social media platform.
Substations controlling electricity flow and overhead power lines, which are critical to Ukraine's power grid, were targeted. Power plants were also hit.
Ukraine's state-owned energy operator stated that "the power deficit in Ukraine's power system has significantly increased" due to these recent attacks. The neighboring country of Poland has been approached for emergency power supplies.
Zelensky shared on social media that Friday night's attack involved over 400 drones and 40 missiles. Despite the efforts of air-defence systems, not all of them were intercepted, as reported by the Ukrainian military.
"The primary targets were the energy grid, electricity generation facilities, and distribution substations," he said, adding that damage had been reported in at least four regions.
In Lviv's western region, the Dobrotvir power plant was attacked, leaving thousands without electricity. In the adjacent Ivano-Frankivsk region, the Burshtyn power plant was also hit. The company operating both plants reported that this marked the 10th "massive attack" on its power plants since October of the previous year.
"Altogether, enemy attacks on our thermal power plants have surpassed 220 since the start of the full-scale invasion," the company added. This invasion by Russia commenced almost four years ago.
Human and Infrastructure Damage
One casualty has been reported in the Rivne region, with several injured in Zaporizhzhia. Homes and "critical infrastructure" have also suffered damage.
In the city of Kyiv, residents have resorted to seeking shelter in metro stations. One resident spoke of the "inhumane conditions" they were subjected to by the Russians: "Without heating, without electricity."
An unmanned aerial vehicle strike in the city of Yahotyn, roughly 62 miles away, ignited a fire at a warehouse complex, as stated by Ukrainian emergency services.
While Ukraine has also launched attacks on Russia, hitting a factory that produces missile fuel components in the western Tver region and an oil depot in the Saratov region further south, Russia has not issued any comments on these latest attacks.
Russia resumed its assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this Monday, following a brief pause requested by the US president due to the severe cold in Ukraine.
Zelensky revealed earlier this week that approximately 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives since Russia commenced its full-scale invasion in February of the previous year.