U.S. Disputes Zelensky's Claims on Ukraine War Timeline

The U.S. permanent representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, has rejected claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington aims to conclude the conflict in Ukraine by summer.

In an interview with the Guardian, Whitaker stated, "Zelensky mentioned a deadline in June, but I don't believe the U.S. has declared that," emphasizing that it is in Washington's interest to resolve the conflict "as quickly as possible" without specifying a timeline.

Conversely, Zelensky asserted that the U.S. is advocating for a resolution before summer, proposing a new round of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv to take place in Miami next week, to which Ukraine has agreed.

Zelensky added: "The Americans suggest that both parties should end the war before the start of summer, and it is likely they will pressure both sides to adhere to this timeline."

The Ukrainian president also referenced U.S. domestic politics, stating, "There is no doubt that the midterm elections in November are more significant for them, and they say they want everything accomplished by June."

This statement follows the second round of trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine held on February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi.

According to U.S. special envoy Steve Whitkoff, Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war while continuing discussions on a final resolution to the conflict in the coming weeks, as reported by the agency "Tass."