VP Vance Discusses Russia’s Concessions in Ukraine Negotiations

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Vice President JD Vance stated that Russia has made “important concessions” in talks with President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Here are some excerpts from the conversation:

Welker: We need to address the situation in Ukraine. I spoke to the Russian Foreign Minister recently, and he mentioned that there are currently no scheduled meetings between President Putin and President Zelensky. He noted, “We need an agenda first,” implying that preparations are lacking. Do you think the Russians are giving Trump a hard time?

Vance: Not at all, Kristen. For the first time in over three years of conflict, I believe the Russians are making significant concessions to President Trump. They seem willing to be flexible regarding some of their key demands. They have discussed what it might take to end the war. Of course, they aren’t fully on board yet, or else the conflict would have already ended. However, we are sincerely trying to negotiate with both the Russians and Ukrainians to find common ground and stop the violence. The President is actively pursuing vigorous diplomacy, as this war benefits no one—not Europe, the US, Russia, or Ukraine. So, we will keep pushing for diplomatic solutions. Historically, in complex wars marked by significant casualties, negotiations tend to go in fits and starts. There are moments of progress, and sometimes it feels like we’ve made headway with the Russians. The President has expressed frustration with their actions, and we’re committed to doing what we can to bring this to a close. I don’t expect it to resolve overnight, but I believe we will make strides. Ultimately, the cessation of violence will depend on whether Russians and Ukrainians can establish a middle ground.

Welker: You mention concessions, yet the Russians turned down Trump’s ceasefire proposal. There’s no planned meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Recently, Russia targeted American factories in Ukraine, fortunately without casualties. What leads you to believe Putin is genuine about pursuing peace?

Vance: Well, I didn’t say they have made every concession. But what they do acknowledge is the necessity of recognizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity after the war. They seem to understand that they can’t install a puppet government in Kiev, which was their initial major demand. Importantly, they do recognize that security guarantees are needed for Ukraine’s territory. Have they made all the concessions they should? Certainly not. Should they have initiated a war? Absolutely not. But we’re seeing progress, Kristen. What I respect about the President right now is that he isn’t stuck in the past, worrying about the details of how this conflict started three and a half years ago. He’s concentrated on the current details—what the parties oppose, what they can agree on, and how to create a pathway from one side of that equation to the other to ultimately stop the violence.