Russia forced to concede Ukraine's territorial integrity, Vance says
Photo: US Vice President J.D. Vance (Getty Images)
The Russians were forced to concede on some of their demands. In particular, the Kremlin had to acknowledge that Russia would not be able to install a "puppet regime" in Kyiv. Ukraine will retain its territorial integrity after the war, US Vice President J.D. Vance said on NBC News' Meet the Press.
Vance said the Russians had to recognize that they could not establish a puppet regime in Kyiv. This had been one of the Kremlin's main demands and primary goals for the war. The Russians also had to accept that Ukraine "will have territorial integrity."
"I didn't say they conceded on everything. But they did concede on acknowledging that Ukraine will retain territorial integrity after the war. They recognized that they could not install a puppet regime in Kyiv," the Vice President said.
Meanwhile, in Russia, a new excuse has emerged for why Vladimir Putin is avoiding a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This time, Moscow blamed Western countries.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the country, the US, and European partners are gradually making progress on security guarantees. This is happening despite Moscow’s attempts to derail the peace process. The Kremlin leader, however, is still not ready for a meeting.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine does not want to impose additional conditions to start dialogue. He added that the Ukrainian side is waiting for agreement on a specific date and location for the meeting. Meanwhile, Russia continues to set new conditions.
