Vance's statements reflect a complex dialogue surrounding the war, as both nations grapple with paths to resolution amidst ongoing violence and geopolitical tensions.
War in Ukraine Remains Unresolved, US Vice-President JD Vance Declares
War in Ukraine Remains Unresolved, US Vice-President JD Vance Declares
US Vice-President JD Vance emphasizes the enduring nature of the Ukraine conflict during recent interviews.
In a candid interview with Fox News, US Vice-President JD Vance stated that the war in Ukraine "is not going to end any time soon." He acknowledged that the situation presents the US with a pressing dilemma: how to assist both Russia and Ukraine in reaching a mutually agreeable peace. Vance emphasized that ultimately, "it's going to be up to [Russia and Ukraine] to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict."
This declaration comes on the heels of Washington's recent agreement with Kyiv, which allows the US to share in the profits from Ukraine's rare earth mineral resources in exchange for continued security assistance. Vance defended the foreign policy approach of former President Donald Trump, asserting that while Ukrainian anger at the invasion is justified, it prompts a critical question: "Are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory?"
Trump also recently suggested that Ukraine could consider ceding Crimea, controlled by Russia since 2014, as part of a negotiation to end hostilities. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that allowing Russian control over Crimea would violate Ukrainian constitutional principles.
In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that time is running out for a proposed "breakthrough" in the conflict, suggesting that otherwise, Trump may have to reassess his involvement. This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary three-day ceasefire beginning May 8 to honor World War II commemorations, while Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called for a more extended 30-day ceasefire in response.
Despite these efforts at dialogue, the violence has persisted. A Russian drone strike in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia left 14 people injured on Thursday, while the Russian government accused Ukraine of conducting drone attacks that resulted in seven fatalities and over 20 injuries in southern Ukraine, which Kyiv denied, contending the strikes targeted military assets. The ongoing clashes highlight the challenges both nations face in achieving any lasting peace.
