President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine says that the US would like the war between Ukraine and Russia to end by June 2026. Washington has invited both sides to peace talks in the US next week, marking an ambitious diplomatic move to end the nearly four-year-long war. The talks will likely take place in Florida or Miami, the first time the US offers to hold direct negotiations in a formal format.
Zelensky said the Trump administration issued a very sharp deadline: both countries must reach a peace agreement by June. Without an agreement, Washington will be putting more pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow. The US considers that timeline important for ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
The main obstacle is still territory. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine and demands full control over the eastern Donetsk region. Moscow has indicated that it would take it by force if talks fail. Ukraine, however, is unwilling to submit land, saying concessions would only drive further invasions. Zelensky has emphasized that Kyiv will not sign on to an agreement that leaves Ukraine open to future attack.
The US has also stepped up its involvement in recent weeks, seeking to speed up peace efforts. Washington hopes to bring both sides closer to a middle ground by hosting talks. Ukraine’s declaration of participation was confirmed by Zelensky, who added that there are “no breakthroughs” on important issues, such as Donbas or nuclear plant safety, yet.
The subsequent talks in the US mark a turning point in this war. And while the June deadline is a clear goal, the deep divides between Ukraine and Russia render a resolution quickly questionable. The world will be especially tuned in as both sides brace themselves to negotiate while under American pressure. If successful, these talks could bring an end to a savage conflict.
