U.S. pushes for peace as Russia rejects ceasefire plan
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said on Wednesday that Russia is making excessive demands, but that doesn't mean it isn't interested in ending the conflict with Ukraine. He emphasized that given Moscow's refusal of a 30-day ceasefire, the U.S. will focus on pursuing a "durable peace."
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, in a conversation with Wolfgang Ischinger, remarked that although the initial Russian peace proposal was overly ambitious, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of resolving the conflict. "You could think that the request is too significant. And certainly, the first peace offer that the Russians put on the table, our reaction to it was: 'You are asking for too much'. But this is how the negotiations unfold," Vance said. He added that while Russia continues to set challenging conditions, the U.S. remains committed to a long-term resolution.
Russia rejected the American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, claiming it conflicted with its own interests. As a result, the U.S. is advocating for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv, though – as Vance admitted – mutual animosity between the parties significantly complicates dialogue. "We would like both the Russians and the Ukrainians to actually agree on some basic guidelines for sitting down and talking to one another," the Vice President stated. However, he expressed hope for a lasting, economically beneficial peace.
Vance defended Donald Trump's approach, highlighting that his desire to end the war is driven by humanitarian motives. He also stressed the importance of understanding Russia's motivations, even if he disagrees with its rationale for the invasion.
Discussing U.S. trade policy, he noted that the Trump administration aims to reshape global structures for the benefit of American workers. In relations with the EU, the focus is on opening the market to U.S. goods and fostering cooperation in the defense sector.
Vice President Vance on the situation in NATO
When commenting on the situation in NATO, Vance urged Europe to enhance its arms production capabilities. "We really want and we really care about Europe being self-sufficient," he said, noting a universal agreement on the need for swift action.
He also softened earlier criticism of Europe regarding freedom of speech, emphasizing that each country has the right to set boundaries for public discourse, as long as it doesn't undermine the foundations of democracy.
