Zelensky Says Russia Presented US With $12 Trillion "Dmitriev Package" — US Seeks June Peace Deal

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence uncovered a massive economic proposal presented by Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev to the United States — a plan Mr Zelensky described as worth roughly $12 trillion (about £9 trillion) and dubbed the "Dmitriev package." He revealed the discovery on Saturday while warning that any bilateral US-Russia agreements must not violate Ukraine's constitution or harm its territorial integrity.

What Zelensky Said

"Intelligence showed me the so-called 'Dmitriev package' that he presented in the US – it amounts to around $12 trillion (£9 trillion)," Mr Zelensky said. He stressed that some aspects of a US-Russia bilateral relationship may not concern Kyiv, but any arrangements that affect Ukrainian people, territory or national interests must be transparent and compatible with Ukraine's constitution.

"Probably some things in US-Russia relations do not concern us. But if they somehow affect our national interests, the Ukrainian people, our territories — then we would like to see this, so that there are no problems later," Mr Zelensky said.

Diplomacy, Deadlines And The US Role

According to Mr Zelensky, the United States has set a target of reaching a peace deal by June and may increase pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow if progress is not made. Washington has reportedly offered to host the next round of trilateral talks on US soil for the first time, likely in Miami; Ukraine has confirmed it will participate.

These proposed talks follow US-brokered meetings in Abu Dhabi that ended without agreement, as Kyiv and Moscow remain at odds over core territorial demands. Russia is said to be pressing Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the Donbas region, including insisting on full control of the eastern Donetsk area — a condition Ukraine has repeatedly rejected.

Key Diplomatic Sticking Points

Ukraine has proposed freezing the conflict along current frontlines as a potential ceasefire framework, but Russia has rejected that idea. Mr Zelensky also said no agreement has been reached on the future of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and he expressed scepticism about a US suggestion to turn the Donbas into a free economic zone as a compromise.

"Difficult issues remained difficult. Ukraine once again confirmed its positions on the Donbas issue. 'We stand where we stand' is the fairest and most reliable model for a ceasefire today," he said.

Security And Economic Discussions

Military teams have reportedly worked through technical details for monitoring a potential ceasefire. Discussions have also included security guarantees for Ukraine and an economic cooperation plan (referred to by officials as a "prosperity plan") outlining elements of postwar recovery and reconstruction.

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is being targeted by Russia as freezing winter temperatures grip the country - Oleg Petrasiuk/AFP/24th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces

Military Context: Large-Scale Strikes And Power Outages

The diplomatic push comes amid one of Russia's largest recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Mr Zelensky said more than 400 drones and around 40 missiles were launched overnight, targeting the energy grid, generation facilities and distribution networks.

Ukrenergo, the state electricity transmission operator, reported that eight facilities in eight regions were struck, forcing nuclear power plants to reduce output and increasing the country's power deficit. Emergency blackouts have been implemented across Ukraine as freezing temperatures persist.

"Every day, Russia could choose real diplomacy, but it chooses new strikes," Mr Zelensky said.

Russia's defence ministry said the operation used "high-precision long-range sea and air-based weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles," and targeted energy, transport and drone-manufacturing facilities, according to state news agency Interfax. Separately, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces struck an oil depot known as "Balashovo" in Russia's Saratov region.

Questions Over The Package's Scale

Some experts have expressed scepticism about the $12 trillion figure, noting it would be several times larger than Russia's entire annual GDP. The size and feasibility of the Dmitriev package, as relayed by Kyiv, have not been independently verified.

As diplomacy intensifies, Kyiv insists it will not accept agreements that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty or are negotiated behind its back. The coming weeks, particularly the proposed June timetable and any Miami talks, could determine whether a diplomatic path forward emerges.