Vance makes statement regarding Russia's claims to Ukrainian territory
JD Vance, Vice President of the US (Photo: Getty Images)
Washington remains committed to preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty in any potential outcome of Russia’s war of aggression. At the same time, Moscow cannot expect to be handed Ukrainian territories it has not occupied as some sort of "gift," states US Vice President JD Vance during a broadcast on Fox News.
The US official responded to a question from the host regarding Washington’s position in light of his previous statement that Russia is demanding too much in a potential peace agreement with Ukraine, and whether it’s time to increase military support for Ukraine.
"We will see what happens, of course. But look, we knew that Russia would ask for too much," Vance remarked.
The US Vice President emphasized that Russia cannot expect territory from Ukraine that it has not even conquered yet.
Vance further added that everyone knew Russia would ask for too much, because it’s 'winning on the frontlines.'
According to the top American official, however, Ukrainians would like to do a ceasefire, in his view, because things 'are not going very well.'
"Our attitude is that we don’t want Ukraine to collapse. We, obviously, want Ukraine to remain a sovereign country, but Russia cannot expect to be given territory it has not even conquered," Vance stated.
In addition, the US Vice President once again addressed the possibility of Washington pulling out of negotiations on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. He explained that this could happen if Russia conducts them (the talks) in bad faith.
"But we knew the Russians' first offer would be too much. We knew that they would ask for more to be reasonable to make these negotiations work. I'm not bothered by that. But what would bother me is if we conclude that the Russians were not engaged in negotiating in good faith. And if that happens, yes, we're gonna walk away," Vance explained.
Meanwhile, the US official is confident that the fact that the Russians are even offering a peace plan is a breakthrough, and that the fact that the Ukrainians are presenting a concrete proposal is already a breakthrough.
"But we must try to bring these sides a little bit closer together to achieve a lasting peace. We're not there yet. We'll keep working on it until we decide that we can’t make any more progress," Vance emphasized.
Vice President @JDVance describes the Trump administration's Russia-Ukraine war strategy and addresses the economic impact of tariffs with @marthamaccallum. pic.twitter.com/n0H4esx6ha
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Issue of peace negotiations
Under US mediation, negotiations aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war continue, with Washington repeatedly indicating the possibility of stepping back from its role as a mediator if no progress is made.
Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire. However, Russia did not give its consent and began setting forth various conditions.
On May 7, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington now wants to "move beyond" the 30-day ceasefire and discuss a long-term resolution. Vance also expressed the view that Russia is making demands that are too high for an end to the war, yet the peace talks continue.
Recently, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that negotiations for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine are more complicated than expected. According to him, reaching a potential peace agreement will require more time and effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that while Russia may agree to a 30-day ceasefire, such a development requires pressure from the US.
