Zelenskyy: USA proposes ending war by early summer, may pressure parties to meet timeline

The United States wants to end the war by the summer and is pushing for a clear schedule for negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters.

"Why by this summer? We understand that their internal issues in America have an impact and will probably become even more relevant for them. For the first time, the parties discussed that the most difficult issues can probably be brought to a trilateral meeting of leaders. Probably. But for this, some preparatory elements are needed. It is important that a discussion of such a format is present in the dialogue," Zelenskyy said, according to We Ukraine news channel.

He also said the United States confirms its participation in monitoring the ceasefire.

"The military held a conversation and understand how – in the event that politicians decide to end the war – the monitoring of the ceasefire by Ukraine, Russia and the monitoring by the United States will technically take place. That is, the United States confirms its participation. Here, regarding Europe, this does not mean that they will not be in this process. I am simply saying what was discussed and what was not discussed at this meeting in Abu Dhabi," the president said.

Ukraine confirmed a meeting with the Russian delegation in the United States in a week, Zelenskyy said. The meeting proposed by the United States will probably take place in Miami.

The United States offered Ukraine and Russia support for the de-escalation initiative on energy, Ukraine confirmed the proposal, Russia has not yet, Zelenskyy informed. "Russia has not yet. They usually go to Russia and then give their answer," the president added.