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 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.

Ukrainian and Russian officials concluded the first day of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, described as "productive" by Kyiv's lead negotiator. The trilateral meetings, involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aim to find concrete steps and practical solutions to the ongoing conflict. The talks occurred amidst continued fighting, including a Russian strike on a market in eastern Ukraine that resulted in casualties. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, stated the work was substantive and would prepare a report for President Zelensky. Discussions are expected to continue on Thursday.

Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange of 157 people each, including soldiers and civilians, after US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The exchange, the first in four months, involved the return of Ukrainians held captive since 2022 and Russian soldiers held by Kyiv. The talks, involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US teams, aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Territorial concessions demanded by Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine are major obstacles to a potential agreement. While the US envoy described the talks as productive, no breakthrough was achieved, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed a desire for faster progress.

On Wednesday, Russian shelling in Druzhkivka, eastern Ukraine, killed at least seven people and injured 15 at a crowded market. Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin reported the attack used cluster munitions and targeted the market during a busy time. Separately, Russian aerial bombs damaged homes and buildings in the city. The attacks occurred as Russian and Ukrainian officials participated in US-brokered negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Filashkin condemned the shelling as a war crime, accusing Russia of violating a truce pledge. Elsewhere, Russian strikes hit the Dnipropetrovsk region and Odesa, causing further casualties and damage. Russia also claimed to have seized the settlements of Staroukrainka and Stepanivka.

On Sunday, a Russian drone strike in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine killed at least 12 miners, with the death toll later rising to 15. The attack, described by a DTEK spokesperson as a "terrorist attack on civilian infrastructure," targeted a bus transporting miners after their shift, roughly 40 miles from the front line. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine confirmed the incident and reported at least seven injuries. The attack occurred hours after President Zelenskyy announced the postponement of planned peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., which are now scheduled for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi. The delay followed a meeting between envoys from Donald Trump and the Kremlin in Florida on Saturday. Zelenskyy condemned the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians.

A growing number of war-weary Ukrainians are considering ceding the remaining Ukrainian-controlled portion of the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for lasting peace and strong security guarantees from allies. This shift in public opinion comes as peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States continue in Abu Dhabi. While President Zelensky has publicly opposed withdrawing from the Donbas, he has hinted at compromise amid battlefield pressure. Recent polls indicate increasing acceptance of territorial concessions as a potential path to ending the conflict. The Donbas region, a key point of contention, has been heavily fortified by Ukraine, while Russia seeks its capture to claim a victory.

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that a security agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine is fully prepared for signing. Zelenskyy made the statement during a visit to Vilnius, Lithuania, following two days of discussions involving representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. He indicated that Ukraine is awaiting its partners to schedule the signing, after which the document will be submitted to the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament for ratification. The agreement aims to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. The date of the signing is yet to be determined.

Talks between Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are scheduled to continue next week. The announcement follows face-to-face negotiations held in Abu Dhabi last weekend, the first such meeting between Ukraine and Russia since June. While both Ukrainian and Russian officials expressed some optimism after the talks, a Kremlin spokesman gave little indication that Russia was ready to compromise on its aims in Ukraine. A major point of contention remains control of territory in eastern Ukraine, with Russia insisting on terms it claims were previously agreed to by the U.S. president. The ongoing negotiations also involve discussions about American involvement in postwar security guarantees for Ukraine.

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.

A Russian drone attack struck a civilian passenger train in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on Tuesday, resulting in at least five deaths and two injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an "act of terrorism," emphasizing there was no military justification for targeting civilians. According to Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, Oleksiy Kuleba, three Russian drones were used in the attack on the train, which was carrying over 200 people. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed the updated casualty count on Wednesday, also reporting one man as missing. The incident has drawn international attention and condemnation.

A Russian drone strike on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine killed at least five people on January 28, 2026. The attack targeted civilians traveling by rail. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the drone strike, characterizing it as an act of terrorism. The incident occurred amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The attack highlights the continued use of drones in the conflict and the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a U.S. security guarantees document is "100% ready" for signing, with Kyiv awaiting confirmation from the U.S. on the date and location. Once signed, the agreement will proceed to ratification in both the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these guarantees from the U.S. for Ukraine's security. He made the announcement at a joint press conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside the presidents of Lithuania and Poland. Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine's goal of joining the European Union by 2027 as another core security guarantee. His remarks followed trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi.

In early January 2026, over 30 Western countries met in Paris to outline security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The proposed framework includes a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism and potential deployment of multinational forces led by France and the UK. While leaders like Macron and Starmer touted the guarantees as "robust," others, like Germany, expressed caution. President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is ready to send the agreement to the US Congress and Ukrainian Parliament for ratification, emphasizing the importance of US security guarantees. However, the document remains unpublished, and details on enforcement are unclear. Some Ukrainians, including former officials, express skepticism, fearing the guarantees may lack practical tools for ensuring security.

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.

On January 23, 2026, day 1,429 of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting continued across Ukraine, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. Russian drone and glide bomb attacks targeted regions including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk, causing deaths, injuries, and damage to residential buildings. Russia claimed to have shot down 31 Ukrainian drones. Meanwhile, a French naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea intercepted a Russian oil tanker suspected of evading international sanctions. Ukraine's energy system faced its most challenging day since November 2022, with widespread heating outages in Kyiv and the Dnipropetrovsk region due to Russian attacks and low temperatures. Ukrainian negotiators are heading to the UAE for talks with Russian and United States negotiators.

Ukrainian drone strikes damaged energy networks in Russia-occupied southern Ukraine on Sunday, leaving over 200,000 households, across nearly 400 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, without power. Kremlin-installed authorities reported the damage. Simultaneously, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine's energy grid overnight, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries across multiple regions, including Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Russia used over 1,300 attack drones, 1,050 guided aerial bombs, and 29 missiles this week. A Ukrainian delegation arrived in the United States for talks on a U.S.-led diplomatic effort to end the war, focusing on postwar security guarantees and economic recovery.

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 strikes on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, left over 5,600 high-rise buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine, without heat in subfreezing temperatures. Ukrainian authorities reported that the attacks, part of an intensified campaign, are intended to break the country's morale and force submission. President Zelensky stated Russia launched numerous missiles and drones across the country, with Kyiv experiencing the most difficult situation. The mayor of Kyiv noted that many buildings had just regained heat after a previous attack on January 8, and part of the city was also without water. Authorities are working to restore services, deploying mobile kitchens and warming tents as schools are closed until February.

As of January 19, 2026, Russia is reportedly weaponizing freezing weather in Ukraine by attacking the country's energy grid. These attacks have left many Kyiv residents without reliable heat or power, forcing them to endure near-freezing temperatures in their homes. The situation has led to a state of emergency in Kyiv, where people are relying on temporary warming centers for survival. Al Jazeera reports that the attacks are intentionally targeting infrastructure to exacerbate the effects of winter on the civilian population. The lack of essential services is creating a humanitarian crisis as residents struggle to cope with the harsh conditions.

Kyiv residents are experiencing prolonged power outages during the winter due to ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The attacks, which occurred as recently as January 20, 2026, have left many stranded in tower blocks without electricity or heat. One resident, Olena Janchuk, who is unable to walk, is shown enduring the blackout with her mother, using candles and heated bricks to stay warm. The blackouts are widespread, affecting residential buildings across Kyiv and forcing residents to adapt by using alternative methods for cooking and communication. The attacks continue to impact daily life for many in the city.

Ukraine is facing an energy emergency due to repeated Russian attacks on its infrastructure, leaving thousands without heat and electricity as temperatures plummet to -19 degrees Celsius. President Zelenskyy announced the emergency, noting the severe consequences of the attacks combined with deteriorating weather conditions. Kyiv is particularly affected, with hundreds of apartment buildings remaining without heat almost a week after a major Russian attack. Repair crews are working around the clock, and the government is exploring increased electricity imports and reviewing curfew restrictions to address the crisis. The mayor of Kyiv urged residents to consider leaving the city due to the damage to critical infrastructure.

Russian attacks have intensified in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a severe cold snap in January 2026, causing widespread heating and electricity outages. These strikes, part of a long-term Kremlin strategy, are the most devastating yet, impacting civilian morale and potentially pressuring the Ukrainian government. Emergency services have established tents providing heat and electricity to residents. The outages have forced some Kyiv residents to leave the city in search of warmth and basic necessities. The attacks aim to damage Ukrainian infrastructure and potentially influence peace negotiations.

As Kyiv experiences intensifying Russian attacks and plummeting temperatures reaching -19C, residents are struggling with power outages, lack of heating, and water shortages. To provide relief, Ukrainian Railways has introduced "Invincibility Trains" at suburban stations, offering warmth, electricity, and a safe space for those without basic amenities. These trains, equipped with toys and resources from charities, aim to boost morale and provide comfort amidst the harsh winter conditions. While President Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting critical infrastructure, Kyiv's mayor suggested some residents should leave the city to ease pressure on resources. Despite the hardships, many Kyiv residents remain resilient, finding ways to cope with the challenging circumstances.

On January 16, 2026, day 1,422 of the Russia-Ukraine war saw continued fighting and infrastructure damage. A Ukrainian drone strike in Russian-occupied Zaporizhia killed two pharmacy workers, while another injured three in Russia's Belgorod region. Russian forces struck Bilopillia in the Sumy region, killing one and injuring at least four. Overnight Russian attacks caused power outages in the Zhytomyr and Kharkiv regions, with restrictions in Kyiv and Odesa. Kharkiv's mayor reported the destruction of a critical energy facility. In Kyiv, many residential buildings remain without heating after a previous Russian attack, prompting President Zelenskyy to announce the national government would take over energy responsibilities for the city. A Ukrainian attack left thousands without electricity in Russian-occupied Zaporizhia, where hundreds are being evacuated due to the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly in Kyiv, due to ongoing Russian strikes and freezing temperatures. President Zelensky announced the creation of a task force to address the damage to critical infrastructure and accused Russia of exploiting the cold weather. The strikes have left thousands without power, heating, and water, with Kyiv being particularly affected. Zelensky ordered the procurement of energy equipment and the establishment of more emergency help points. Russian attacks have impacted energy infrastructure beyond Kyiv, affecting over a million people in southeastern Ukraine. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, is operating in crisis mode due to repeated attacks on the grid.

A Ukrainian delegation arrived in the United States on Saturday for peace talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Led by Kyrylo Budanov, the delegation, including negotiators Rustem Umerov and Davyd Arakhamia, plans to meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. President Zelenskyy stated the delegation's main task is to highlight how ongoing Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid are undermining diplomatic efforts. The delegation aims to finalize documents related to postwar security guarantees and economic recovery with U.S. officials, potentially signing them at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, where President Trump is expected to be present.