Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday publicly outlined a U.S. proposal to end the war in Ukraine by freezing the conflict along current front lines and halting further military engagement. The plan also includes recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and a pause on Ukraine’s NATO membership ambitions.
Speaking during a diplomatic visit to India, Vance stated that the United States would withdraw from peace talks if both Ukraine and Russia refuse to engage with the proposed terms. “It’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away,” he said.
The proposal reflects a significant shift in U.S. policy, suggesting acceptance of territorial realities that favor Russia’s current military position. President Trump also commented, suggesting Ukraine could either accept peace or face continued conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the terms, reaffirming Ukraine’s claim to all occupied territories, including Crimea, and stating that constitutional law prohibits abandoning national territory. He also reiterated Ukraine’s desire to pursue NATO membership.
The comments come amid renewed international efforts to broker peace, with meetings underway in London involving U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials. However, the absence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio from the talks has raised concerns among European diplomats about the direction of U.S. engagement.
Russia has responded positively to the proposal, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcoming continued dialogue but emphasizing that “many details still need to be discussed.”
The Biden-era commitment to restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains at odds with the current administration’s peace strategy, which appears aimed at ending U.S. involvement if swift negotiations fail.
