WASHINGTON – Vice President JD Vance criticized Russia on Wednesday, asserting that the Kremlin’s demands for ending its 38-month invasion of Ukraine are excessive.
During an event organized by the Munich Security Council, the VP noted, “I’m not suggesting that the Russians don’t want to see this conflict resolved.”
He continued, “However, they seem to be seeking a particular set of concessions to bring the conflict to a close, and I think they’re asking for too much.”
Although the Trump administration has voiced frustration over the lack of direct discussions aimed at ending Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II, Vance’s remarks signal some of the most pointed critiques of Moscow from U.S. officials since the current president took office.
Vance added, “It seems unlikely that we can mediate this completely without direct talks between both parties, which is why that’s our focus.”
Envoy Steve Witkov has talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin three times, yet retired General Keith Kellogg has concentrated more on strengthening ties with Kiev.
Representatives from both Russia and Ukraine met with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia but did not meet face-to-face.
Russia has insisted that Ukraine can never join NATO, acknowledged the annexation of Crimea, and most of eastern Ukraine, while hoping to avoid European peacekeeping forces on Ukrainian soil.
