Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia presented the United States with a proposed economic co-operation package worth an estimated £9 trillion, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The offer, reportedly dubbed the “Dmitriev package” after Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev, was described by the Ukrainian president as part of Moscow’s broader diplomatic manoeuvring. He also revealed that Washington has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement, despite ongoing disagreements over territory.
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Mr Zelensky warned that any bilateral economic discussions between the US and Russia must not undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty or constitutional framework. While acknowledging that some aspects of US-Russia relations may not directly involve Kyiv, he stressed that any arrangements affecting Ukrainian territory or national interests would be unacceptable. Analysts have expressed scepticism about the scale of the proposal, noting that its reported value far exceeds Russia’s annual economic output.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with Russia insisting on full control of the Donetsk region and Ukraine rejecting any deal that would involve ceding territory. Kyiv has instead proposed freezing the conflict along current front lines, a suggestion Moscow has dismissed. Mr Zelensky said that if the June deadline is missed, increased pressure from the US on Ukraine to compromise is likely, as Washington seeks a defined timetable to end the war.
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These talks are taking place amid intensified military action. Russia has launched one of its largest attacks of the year on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, targeting power generation and distribution facilities across multiple regions and worsening electricity shortages during freezing temperatures. Ukrainian forces have responded with strikes on Russian fuel facilities, while Mr Zelensky reiterated that Kyiv will not accept decisions about Ukraine made without its involvement.
