Balancing diplomacy: U.S. seeks long-term peace in Ukraine conflict
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 emphasised 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, assessed that although the first Russian peace proposal was too far-reaching, it doesn't mean there is no chance for 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," said Vance. He added that Russia is still setting conditions that are difficult to accept, but the U.S. remains focused on a long-term solution.
Russia rejected the American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, deeming it contradictory to its own interests. Therefore, the U.S. seeks direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv, although – as Vance admitted – mutual hostility between the parties seriously hampers 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 said. However, he expressed hope for a lasting, economically beneficial peace.
Vance defended Donald Trump's approach, pointing out that his desire to end the war stems from humanitarian motives. He also emphasized the necessity to understand Russia's motivations, even if he disagrees with its justification for the invasion.
Regarding U.S. trade policy, he noted that the Trump administration aims to reshape the global arrangement in favour of American workers. In relations with the EU, the key is opening the market to U.S. goods and cooperation in the defence sector.
Vice President Vance on the situation in NATO
Commenting on the situation in NATO, Vance called on Europe to be more self-sufficient in arms production. "We really want and we really care about Europe being self-sufficient," he said, adding that everyone agrees on the need for swift actions.
He also softened earlier criticism of Europe on the issue of freedom of speech, emphasizing that each country has the right to set boundaries for public debate, as long as it doesn't undermine the foundations of democracy.
