Zelenskyy says US seeks to end war in Ukraine by June, may apply diplomatic pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the United States wants Russia’s war against Ukraine to end by the beginning of summer and could apply diplomatic pressure on the parties in line with that timeline.

Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said the American side had expressed a desire for the war to conclude by around June and was working on developing a clear schedule for the negotiation process.

“The Americans are proposing to the parties that the war be finished by the start of summer and, most likely, they will exert pressure on both sides in accordance with this schedule,” Zelenskyy said.

He noted that the US position could also be influenced by domestic political factors, particularly the upcoming electoral cycle and the work of Congress.

The President stressed that he had not received any signal from the US negotiating team about a possible withdrawal from the talks if the war is not ended within a specific timeframe.

“I have not received such a hint from the negotiating group. Of course, it would be desirable for the Americans not to leave,” he said, adding that the US presence in the negotiation process is important for all sides.

Zelenskyy also underlined that Ukraine has long proposed creating a clear, phased plan defining the steps to be taken by the parties and the deadlines for implementing agreements.

“We want everyone to understand what the parties are agreeing on and within what timeframe. We genuinely want the war to end and security to be guaranteed,” the Ukrainian President said.