Asger Risom
U.S. Vice President Warns Against Conceding Territories Not Under Russian Control
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Thursday that Russia has been making unreasonable demands in ongoing peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine—specifically by requesting territories it has not even conquered. His comments come amid growing White House frustration over Moscow’s approach to ending the conflict.
“Russia Is Asking for Too Much,” Vance Says
In an interview with Fox News, Vance stated that Russia had included claims on non-occupied Ukrainian territories in its initial peace proposal. “Russia cannot expect to be granted territory it hasn’t even taken,” he said, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to overreach early in negotiations. As reported by Digi24, Vance reiterated that such tactics are typical in diplomatic talks, but warned that good-faith negotiations are essential.
Vance also emphasized that the U.S. would withdraw from its mediating role if it concludes that Moscow is not negotiating sincerely.
“What would concern me is if we came to believe that the Russians aren’t participating in good faith,” he said.
Trump Presses for Armistice, Threatens Sanctions
The remarks follow a shift in tone from President Donald Trump, who has recently turned his focus from Kyiv to Moscow. While earlier White House frustration had centered on Ukraine’s pace and flexibility in talks, Trump has now expressed concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be “stringing me along.” On Truth Social, Trump called for a 30-day ceasefire, threatening further sanctions if the truce is broken.
Vance, speaking at both the Munich leadership forum and to U.S. media, stressed that progress is being made.
“Both sides putting forward proposals is a sign of movement,” he said. “We’re not there yet, but we’ll keep working until we either reach a deal or determine that no progress is possible.”
As peace talks inch forward, the Biden-Trump administration’s role as mediator is being tested by both sides’ unwillingness to compromise—and by the geopolitical complexity of negotiating an end to a war that has already reshaped global power dynamics.