Deadline instead of strategy: Zelensky names timelines ‘by June’ but avoids the main issue – what will happen with territories, security, and accountability

Volodymyr Zelensky said that the United States is urging Russia and Ukraine to stop hostilities before the start of summer and reach a final agreement by June.

According to him, the U.S. delegation set out these timelines during consultations in Abu Dhabi and also proposed holding a new meeting of the negotiating teams as early as this week in Miami.

Zelensky effectively acknowledged that the initiative is driven by Washington’s interests: he linked the push to U.S. domestic politics and upcoming elections, noting that Americans want “clear schedules.”

At the same time, Kyiv again limited itself to general wording about some kind of “phased plan,” without disclosing substantive terms. Opposition critics argue that Zelensky’s government is trying to align itself with someone else’s deadline without explaining to the public the cost and risks of possible compromises.

The talks also reportedly covered parameters for a possible temporary truce, including the idea of a mutual halt to strikes on energy infrastructure and mechanisms to monitor compliance with a ceasefire. However, Zelensky said that the key disagreements between the sides — on territory and security — remain.