Zelenskyy says US has set June deadline for Ukraine-Russia peace deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US has proposed a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace settlement. According to Zelenskyy, the Trump administration intends to pressure both countries to end the war by the beginning of summer, potentially influenced by the upcoming midterm elections. He also mentioned that the US is proposing to host further trilateral talks, possibly in Miami, following recent discussions in Abu Dhabi that were described as constructive. This new deadline follows previous unsuccessful attempts by the US to broker a peace agreement. Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine has confirmed its participation in the next round of talks.

Ukrainian and Russian officials concluded the first day of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with Kyiv's chief negotiator calling them "substantive and productive." Despite ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine, including one that killed seven at a market, discussions are set to continue into a second day. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for concrete results from the talks, anticipating a prisoner exchange soon. While the Kremlin stated that the "doors for a peaceful settlement are open," Moscow will continue its military assault until Kyiv agrees to its demands. The negotiations, mediated by the United States, aim to find practical solutions to end the nearly four-year war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach an agreement to end their nearly four-year war. According to Zelenskyy, the U.S. intends to pressure both sides to meet this deadline, with potential trilateral talks to be held in the U.S. next week. Zelenskyy also mentioned that Russia presented the U.S. with a $12 trillion economic proposal. Meanwhile, Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure intensified, forcing nuclear power plants to reduce output and causing widespread power outages across the country. The attacks involved hundreds of drones and missiles and targeted energy grids, generation facilities, and distribution networks.

Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting its energy grid and leaving hundreds of thousands without heating during freezing temperatures. The strikes occurred on Tuesday, coinciding with Ukraine experiencing its coldest weather since the Russian invasion began and damaging a WWII monument. The attack took place a day before scheduled peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, accusing Russia of prioritizing terror over diplomacy. The attack also coincided with a surprise visit to Kyiv by NATO chief Mark Rutte, who met with Zelensky.

In February 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war against Russia. He also stated that a large number of soldiers are considered missing. Zelenskyy's statement was made before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion and during ceasefire talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at resolving the conflict. A Kremlin spokesperson stated that Russian forces would continue fighting until Kyiv makes the necessary decisions to end the war. The UN reported over 2,500 civilian deaths in Ukraine in 2025 due to Russian attacks.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission lines, power plants, and substations, causing widespread emergency outages. The strikes, involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, prompted Ukraine to request emergency electricity assistance from Poland. According to Ukraine's energy minister, the attacks forced nuclear power plant operators to reduce or shut down reactor output as a precaution. These strikes are the latest in a series targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the winter. The attacks occurred shortly after peace talks showed little progress, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for mid-February in Miami, involving delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

Following a week-long pause requested by US President Trump, Russia has resumed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread damage and leaving many without power and heating as temperatures plummet. UK Prime Minister Starmer condemned the attacks as "barbaric." The strikes have severely damaged facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv and Kyiv's Darnytsia CHP plant, leaving over 1,000 tower blocks in Kyiv without heating. Residents are seeking shelter in metro stations and communal heating centers. US envoys are meeting with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi to discuss a peace plan, but Russia has so far refused calls for a ceasefire. Ukraine's Energy Minister has described the energy situation as "difficult" and expects repairs to take time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on January 26, 2026, that a security agreement with the United States is "100 percent ready" for signing, pending confirmation of the date and location from the US. This announcement followed talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi regarding a framework for ending the ongoing war. While no immediate deal was reached, both sides expressed openness to further dialogue, with additional discussions planned. Zelenskyy highlighted that fundamental differences, particularly regarding territorial concessions, remain a significant obstacle. He also emphasized Ukraine's pursuit of EU membership by 2027 as an economic security guarantee.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week due to extreme cold weather. Trump said he personally requested this pause to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by disrupted power, heating, and water supplies resulting from Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The request was made in light of record-setting cold temperatures affecting both Ukraine and Russia. Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor the agreement, although there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. The strikes have left millions of Ukrainians without essential services during the winter months.

Donald Trump claimed that Vladimir Putin agreed to a one-week halt of strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after a personal appeal, citing extreme cold in Ukraine. This alleged ceasefire, unconfirmed by Russia, was announced during a White House meeting. Trump stated he informed Ukrainian officials, who were reportedly pleased. Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged expecting the implementation of such an agreement. The claim follows recent Russian strikes that left over a million people in Kyiv without power. Talks between Ukraine and Russia are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi this weekend, despite a Kremlin aide rejecting assertions that territorial issues are the only remaining obstacle to peace.

Ukraine is bracing for severe winter weather as President Trump announced that Russia's Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine's power grid. Trump stated Putin agreed to his request to pause targeting Kyiv and other towns for one week due to the frigid temperatures causing hardship for civilians. However, Trump did not specify when the call with Putin occurred or when the moratorium would begin, and the White House has not provided further clarification. The Kremlin has not confirmed Putin's commitment. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to end the war, which is approaching its fourth anniversary next month.

On January 30, 2026, day 1,436 of the Russia-Ukraine war, intensified fighting resulted in casualties on both sides. A Russian drone attack in Vilniansk, Zaporizhia region, killed three civilians and destroyed homes, while other Russian attacks caused deaths and injuries in Kryvyi Rih, Druzhkivka, and Khatnie. The death toll from a previous attack on Odesa rose to four. A Ukrainian drone attack reportedly killed a hospital employee in Russia's Belgorod region, and Russia claimed to have shot down 111 Ukrainian drones. Kyiv is facing an energy crisis with hundreds of residential buildings without heating as temperatures plummet. Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump announced an agreement with Russia for a week-long ceasefire in Kyiv and other cities due to severe winter weather, facilitated by discussions in the United Arab Emirates.

Amid ongoing talks between Ukrainian, Russian, US, and Emirati officials, Ukrainians express skepticism about a near-term end to the war with Russia. The talks, held in Abu Dhabi, are viewed as a potential first step toward peace, but many Ukrainians are weary after nearly four years of conflict. Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused widespread power outages during a harsh winter, exacerbating war fatigue. A former advisor to President Zelenskyy believes the war will only end when Russia decides to stop or is forced to do so, neither of which he sees as likely before spring. Despite exhaustion, Ukrainians have shown resilience and adaptability throughout the conflict.

As temperatures in Ukraine are forecast to plummet below -20C this weekend, Ukrainians face a dire situation due to ongoing Russian attacks on the country's power grid. Many, like Yulia in Dnipro, have been without central heating since January, relying on makeshift methods to stay warm. While Donald Trump announced a week-long halt to attacks on major cities, the Kremlin clarified the pause ends Sunday, coinciding with the coldest weather. There has been no major strike since January 24th, but it is unclear whether Russia has actually paused anything. The repeated targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, a violation of the Geneva Convention, has left it increasingly fragile and difficult to repair, raising concerns about a humanitarian catastrophe.

In January 2026, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Russia-Ukraine peace talks have narrowed to a single remaining issue. This announcement followed constructive talks between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US President Trump, who both expressed optimism. Witkoff and Jared Kushner were scheduled to travel to Moscow for further discussions with President Putin, followed by meetings in Abu Dhabi with military working groups. While the Kremlin acknowledged Witkoff's efforts, they declined to comment on the potential for a near-term deal. Zelenskyy indicated that documents were better prepared, and he had previously stated that he would only attend Davos if there was an opportunity to sign an agreement with Trump on resolving the war.

Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos, US President Donald Trump stated that the war in Ukraine "has to end," signaling this message would be conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, described as "good," occurred amidst ongoing US-Ukrainian diplomatic efforts to secure peace, despite limited indications of Moscow's willingness to cease fighting. Trump mentioned that US envoys were heading to Moscow for talks. Zelensky had previously indicated his attendance at Davos was contingent on securing agreements with Trump regarding US security guarantees and post-war reconstruction funding for Ukraine, but no such breakthrough was announced after the meeting. This marks approximately the sixth face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Trump's return to the White House and shift towards diplomacy with Russia regarding Ukraine.

Amid a bitter winter with widespread power outages and heating shortages in Kyiv due to Russian attacks, Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, planned for Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, comes as Trump's administration attempts to halt the ongoing conflict. Trump's delegates are also expected to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow later in the week. The situation in Kyiv is dire, with thousands of buildings lacking heat and a majority of the capital without power as temperatures plummet. Trump has expressed his desire to end the "horrible war" in Ukraine.

Ukraine's foreign minister accused Vladimir Putin of undermining potential peace negotiations with recent large-scale strikes. This accusation comes as Russia insists that Kyiv must withdraw its troops from annexed eastern territories as a precondition for any peace agreement. Prior to the planned three-way talks, Putin reportedly discussed a Ukraine settlement with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in lengthy overnight discussions. The timing of the strikes, just before negotiations, suggests a deliberate attempt to weaken Ukraine's position at the negotiating table, according to Kyiv. The location of the strikes was within Ukraine.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europe to demonstrate greater courage and unity. He warned that NATO's dependence on the United States is vulnerable, citing Russia's growing missile capabilities and recent tensions surrounding Greenland as examples. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Europe to act as a global power to counter these threats. His address aimed to encourage European nations to take a more proactive and independent role in ensuring their collective security. The speech highlights concerns about the shifting geopolitical landscape and the need for Europe to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump promoted his new "Board of Peace," a controversial organization aimed at resolving international conflicts. The board, which requires a US$1 billion membership fee, has invited leaders like Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Viktor Orban to join. This announcement follows Trump's decision to scrap tariffs against Europe and dismiss the idea of acquiring Greenland from Denmark, actions that eased tensions at the global meeting. Trump expressed his belief that the board is the "greatest ever formed" during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, another leader who has agreed to participate. The launch occurs amidst reports of Trump's disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ukraine condemned recent Russian strikes that killed one and injured 23 others, coinciding with ongoing peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi. The strikes, which targeted Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaged critical infrastructure and residential areas, including a maternity hospital and a hostel. Ukrainian officials described the attacks as "brutal" and proof that Putin is not interested in peace. The talks, the first trilateral discussions since Russia's 2022 invasion, have reportedly made some progress, but territorial disputes remain a major obstacle. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine and demands Ukraine cede large areas of territory, which Ukraine refuses to do.

Russian air attacks struck Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 24, 2026, resulting in at least one death and nearly 20 injuries. The attacks occurred as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States prepared to meet in Abu Dhabi for a second day of peace talks. These negotiations are centered around a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war. The attacks highlight the ongoing conflict despite diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.

A Russian drone and missile strike on Tuesday left almost half of Kyiv without heat and water, impacting thousands of residential buildings amidst freezing temperatures. The overnight bombardment, part of a larger assault targeting energy facilities across Ukraine, killed at least one person near Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses responded to the attack, as residents sought shelter in subway stations. The strikes, which have disrupted utilities for millions in recent weeks, prompted accusations of a deliberate effort to weaken Ukrainian resistance. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the attacks as a genocidal war.