Vance Warns US Will Withdraw If No Agreement Is Reached Between Ukraine and Russia

As tensions rise amid ongoing conflict, US officials signal a decisive ultimatum for both Ukraine and Russia to accept terms for peace, with diplomatic talks facing delays and rising violence on the ground.

US Vice-President JD Vance issued a stark warning, stating that the United States would "walk away" from ongoing diplomatic negotiations unless Ukraine and Russia agree to proposed terms aimed at achieving a ceasefire. His comments follow a series of official talks held in London, intended to bridge gaps between the two nations, which experienced a downgrade after the withdrawal of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The urgency of talk accelerates with Witkoff preparing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the fourth time this week in Moscow, aiming to spur negotiations to end the relentless war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity of a "full, and unconditional ceasefire," marking the cessation of violence as a primary goal.

During his remarks, Vance noted the US has made a "very explicit proposal" to both parties and pressed for a definitive response. "It's now time for them to either say yes or for the US to walk away from this process," he declared. The US engagement highlights a complex diplomatic landscape, even as Trump’s prior envoy, General Keith Kellogg, represented at the London discussions in lieu of Witkoff and Rubio, who labeled the encounters as merely "technical meetings."

Amidst these negotiations, a growing consensus has emerged suggesting that Russia might consider a cessation of its invasion activities along current frontlines in exchange for strategic concessions, although the specific terms remain unclear. Vance asserted that both nations will need to compromise on territorial claims, stating that some current holdings will inevitably need to be relinquished.

Zelensky has firmly rejected the notion of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, despite reports indicating this might be a point of negotiation between the US and the Kremlin. While Russian forces ramped up attacks leading to casualties in Ukraine, diplomatic communication continued, albeit with delays. The UK's Foreign Office confirmed the postponement of some talks, although lower-level discussions persist behind closed doors.

The recent turmoil follows an unsuccessful ceasefire declaration purportedly made by Putin during the Easter weekend, which reports indicate was disregarded by ongoing military operations. British officials, including Defense Secretary John Healey, highlighted that Russian forces have intensified assaults despite claims of peace initiatives, complicating the quest for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

With estimates of hundreds of thousands affected by the war since its onset in 2022, the humanitarian situation remains dire, underscoring the desperation for effective peacemaking efforts.