Zelensky: No Ukraine-Russia Deal Without Guarantees Against Future Invasion

Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees as US Pushes for Peace Deal by June

KYIV – The United States is seeking a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia by June, and has proposed hosting talks between the two sides in Miami next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday. The push for a resolution comes as the war enters its fourth year, with ongoing disputes over territory and security guarantees.

US-led efforts to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have intensified in recent weeks, but significant obstacles remain. Moscow currently occupies approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including parts of the eastern Donetsk region, and is pushing for full control as part of any potential agreement.

“The United States has proposed for the first time that the two negotiating teams — Ukraine and Russia — meet in the United States, probably in Miami, in a week’s time,” Zelensky told reporters. “They say that they want to do everything by June,” he added, indicating a strong desire from Washington to see the conflict resolved within the coming months.

The US has previously mediated two rounds of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, successfully brokering a prisoner exchange but failing to achieve a breakthrough on the critical issue of territorial concessions. Both Moscow and Kyiv have described the talks as challenging.

Territorial Disputes and Security Concerns

Zelensky has repeatedly voiced frustration over what he perceives as an imbalance in the compromises being asked of Ukraine. Kyiv has proposed freezing the conflict along the current front lines, a suggestion Russia has rejected. Washington has instead suggested converting the land currently controlled by Ukraine in the Donetsk region into a “free economic zone” with no military presence from either side.

“Even if we come to the creation of a free economic zone, we will need fair and reliable rules,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and equitable framework for any such arrangement.

Another unresolved issue is the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, which has been occupied by Russian forces since the beginning of the conflict. Zelensky indicated that a “common understanding” on the plant’s control has yet to be reached.

Zelensky also made clear that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement that does not provide credible security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. He stressed that Ukraine will not tolerate Russia and the United States making deals about Ukraine without its direct involvement.

Recent Russian Attacks and Energy Infrastructure

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued to launch attacks on Ukraine, including recent strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. These attacks have resulted in widespread power outages and heating disruptions, particularly during the harsh winter months.

On Saturday, Ukraine requested emergency assistance from Poland after Russian strikes damaged the Burshtynska and Dobrotvirska power plants in western Ukraine, causing blackouts across the country, according to Energy Minister Denys Shmygal. Grid operator Ukrenergo reported that “emergency outages have been applied in most regions.” Ukrainian nuclear power plants were also forced to reduce their generation capacity as a result of the attacks.

Russia denies targeting civilians and has accused Ukraine of orchestrating an attack on a top military intelligence general in Moscow, leaving him wounded. Kyiv has not yet commented on the allegation.

The conflict began in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, describing it as a “special military operation” aimed at preventing the expansion of NATO. Ukraine has dismissed this justification as a pretext for an illegal land grab. The war has resulted in widespread destruction, the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and the displacement of millions of people from their homes.

Zelensky has previously stated that a peace deal is “90 percent ready,” but warned that the remaining 10 percent is critical and could determine the future of Ukraine and Europe. The upcoming talks in Miami, if they proceed, will be a crucial test of whether a lasting resolution can be achieved.