US Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence that the United States can broker an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite potential hang-ups since President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Vance stated that both sides have made significant concessions in recent weeks.
Vance did not characterize the latest Russian missile strike on western Ukraine as a long-term hindrance to peace but criticized former President Joe Biden for doing nothing to stop the killing during his 3½-year term. He emphasized that Trump has applied economic pressure, which he believes could lead to a breakthrough.
Despite tensions over security guarantees for Ukraine and Russia’s role in shaping them, Vance remains optimistic about persistence leading to results. The US VP stated that there are hills and valleys in negotiations, but with continued effort, they can find middle ground and bring the war to a close.
Vance reiterated Trump’s opposition to sending troops to enforce any peace deal, emphasizing that boots on the ground in Ukraine will not happen. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring Ukrainian security guarantees and confidence to stop the war on their end.
The interview also touched on domestic issues, including new congressional maps passed by the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives. Vance expressed a desire to make the situation more fair on a national scale, pushing back against Democratic gerrymandering efforts.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/vance-optimism-energetic-diplomacy-will-end-war-ukraine-rcna226606