Kremlin calls for clarity after US hints at troop deployment
Russia expects explanations regarding the words of Vice President J.D. Vance. In an interview with "The Wall Street Journal," he stated that the USA might send, among other measures, troops to Ukraine if Russia does not agree to a peace agreement that guarantees Kyiv's long-term independence.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the threats from US Vice President J.D. Vance, concerning the potential deployment of American troops to Ukraine and anti-Russian sanctions, "new elements of the American stance that need to be clarified during the upcoming contacts."
"When it comes to interviews in the American press, these are new elements of Washington's stance. We have not heard such formulations before; they have not been spoken. Of course, we expect some additional explanations," said Putin's spokesman, commenting on Vance’s interview with "The Wall Street Journal."
JD Vance on US capabilities
Vance told The Wall Street Journal that both economic and military pressure tactics are available, and the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine is still under consideration.
The interview was conducted several hours after phone conversations on Wednesday between US President Donald Trump, first with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reported "WSJ." Trump informed that both leaders confirmed their readiness to achieve peace.
Also on Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated in Brussels that Ukraine's return to its pre-2014 borders is an "unrealistic goal," and joining NATO is "unrealistic." He acknowledged that lasting peace in Ukraine must include solid security guarantees, but American forces would not provide them.
In this context, notes "WSJ," Vance's words represent "the strongest support so far from the Trump circle" for Kyiv.
At the same time, Vance assessed that it is too early to determine how much of the Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia will remain under Moscow's control or what security guarantees the US and other Western allies might provide to Kyiv. He emphasized that while various solutions exist, the priority remains ensuring Ukraine's sovereign independence.
In a conversation with "WSJ," the US Vice President also spoke in favour of a reset in relations with Moscow after a possible agreement regarding the war in Ukraine. As he explained, the international isolation in which Russia finds itself makes it a weaker partner for China, and "that is not in Putin's interest."
Vance will participate in the 61st Munich Security Conference, which begins on Friday and lasts until Sunday. Plans include, among other activities, a meeting with Zelensky. The American Vice President announced that in his speech on Friday as part of this event, he will call on European leaders to cooperate with populist parties. "I think, unfortunately, the will of the voters has been ignored by many of our European friends," he added.
Source: PAP/TASS/"The Wall Street Journal"
