Vance details altered US approach to Ukraine
Washington is exploring alternatives to Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, as expressed by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. During a Munich Leaders Meeting on Wednesday, Vance indicated that the U.S. is more focused on achieving a sustainable...
TroibNews 
Washington is exploring alternatives to Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, as expressed by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. During a Munich Leaders Meeting on Wednesday, Vance indicated that the U.S. is more focused on achieving a sustainable peace agreement with Moscow rather than committing to a temporary ceasefire.
Ukraine had suggested a one-month ceasefire in response to Russia's 72-hour truce plan, aimed at commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Victory over Nazi Germany. However, Moscow dismissed Ukraine's proposal, suggesting that it would allow Ukrainian forces, which have been struggling, to regroup and strengthen their capabilities.
Vance emphasized that the U.S. is interested in a "long-term settlement" of the conflict instead of a brief pause. He stated, “We've tried to move beyond the obsession with the 30-day ceasefire and more on the what would the long-term settlement look like? And we've tried to consistently advance the ball."
In his remarks, Vance mentioned that the U.S. views Moscow's initial negotiation proposals as unreasonable, stating, “Certainly, the first peace offer that the Russians put on the table, our reaction to it was you’re asking for too much. But this is how negotiations unfold.”
He also noted that President Donald Trump is willing to walk away from negotiations if no progress is made, urging both Moscow and Kiev to engage in diplomatic discussions. Vance remarked, “We would like both the Russians and the Ukrainians to actually agree on some basic guidelines for sitting down and talking to one another.”
Russia has expressed its willingness to negotiate with Kiev but has raised concerns about Ukraine's credibility regarding ceasefire agreements. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused Ukraine of undermining previous agreements, including a U.S.-brokered 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure and a Moscow-supported Easter truce.
Zakharova highlighted that Russia would assess Ukraine's actions during the 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire, which began on Thursday, as a measure of good faith. She characterized the initiative as a humanitarian gesture meant to facilitate direct negotiations without preconditions.
Trump appeared to support the three-day ceasefire, noting that it “doesn't sound like much, but it's a lot, if you know where we started from.”
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Ukraine had suggested a one-month ceasefire in response to Russia's 72-hour truce plan, aimed at commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Victory over Nazi Germany. However, Moscow dismissed Ukraine's proposal, suggesting that it would allow Ukrainian forces, which have been struggling, to regroup and strengthen their capabilities.
Vance emphasized that the U.S. is interested in a "long-term settlement" of the conflict instead of a brief pause. He stated, “We've tried to move beyond the obsession with the 30-day ceasefire and more on the what would the long-term settlement look like? And we've tried to consistently advance the ball."
In his remarks, Vance mentioned that the U.S. views Moscow's initial negotiation proposals as unreasonable, stating, “Certainly, the first peace offer that the Russians put on the table, our reaction to it was you’re asking for too much. But this is how negotiations unfold.”
He also noted that President Donald Trump is willing to walk away from negotiations if no progress is made, urging both Moscow and Kiev to engage in diplomatic discussions. Vance remarked, “We would like both the Russians and the Ukrainians to actually agree on some basic guidelines for sitting down and talking to one another.”
Russia has expressed its willingness to negotiate with Kiev but has raised concerns about Ukraine's credibility regarding ceasefire agreements. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused Ukraine of undermining previous agreements, including a U.S.-brokered 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure and a Moscow-supported Easter truce.
Zakharova highlighted that Russia would assess Ukraine's actions during the 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire, which began on Thursday, as a measure of good faith. She characterized the initiative as a humanitarian gesture meant to facilitate direct negotiations without preconditions.
Trump appeared to support the three-day ceasefire, noting that it “doesn't sound like much, but it's a lot, if you know where we started from.”
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
