U.S. Vice President hints at troop deployment in Ukraine dispute
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, during a conversation with "The Wall Street Journal," suggested the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine if Russia does not agree to a peace settlement that guarantees Kyiv's independence.
Vance mentioned that there are both economic and military pressure options available, and added that the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine remains on the table.
The interview with Vance occurred following U.S. President Donald Trump's phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump stated that both leaders expressed a willingness to pursue peace. In this context, Vance's remarks are the strongest support from Trump's circle for Kyiv to date.
In an interview with the newspaper, Vance commented on Trump's discussion with Putin, suggesting that it could lead to an agreement that would surprise many people.
The Vice President also referred to comments from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who declared 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 will not provide them.
Vance noted 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 U.S. and other Western allies might provide to Kyiv. He emphasized several possible solutions, but the priority is ensuring Ukraine retains its sovereign independence.
Resetting relations with Moscow
The U.S. Vice President advocated resetting relations with Moscow after a potential settlement regarding the war in Ukraine. He explained that Russia's international isolation makes it a weaker partner for China, which is not in Putin's interest.
Vance will participate in the 61st Munich Security Conference, where he plans to meet with Zelensky.
