Washington: Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, criticizing Moscow’s demands as excessive. Vance suggested that despite Russia’s openness to a resolution, their current conditions for ending the conflict are unrealistic.
"I wouldn’t say that the Russians are uninterested in bringing this thing to a resolution," Vance remarked. "But they are asking for too much right now." His comments followed his previous, more combative speech in Germany, where he had criticized European allies.
President Donald Trump, when asked about Vance’s remarks, seemed unaware of them but indicated they might reflect undisclosed insights, acknowledging the administration’s growing frustration with stalled negotiations. "We are getting to a point where some decisions are going to have to be made. I’m not happy about it," Trump stated from the Oval Office.
Vance revealed that the U.S. has moved beyond its previous proposal of a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine had accepted but Russia rejected, citing it as against their strategic interests. Instead, the focus is now on achieving a sustainable settlement. "We’ve tried to move beyond the obsession with the 30-day ceasefire," Vance said, emphasizing the importance of direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow.
The vice president underscored that the U.S. is willing to support these discussions but highlighted that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are crucial. "It’s very important for the Russians and the Ukrainians to start talking to one another," he stressed.
Despite the challenges, Vance maintained a sense of cautious optimism, describing himself as "not yet a pessimist." He called for a peaceful resolution that benefits all parties involved, including the United States and Europe, and highlighted the humanitarian urgency of ending the conflict.
In related developments, the Trump administration’s envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, identified Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to accept a 30-day truce as the primary obstacle to progress in peace talks. Ukraine has signaled willingness to establish a demilitarized zone but has not made detailed proposals public.
The Munich Leaders Meeting also revisited Vance’s contentious speech in Germany, which had sparked significant debate over Western values. Despite the initial controversy, Vance adopted a more diplomatic tone this time, reaffirming the strong ties between the United States and Europe. He jokingly acknowledged the debate his previous remarks had triggered but maintained that the two regions share deep cultural connections.
