WASHINGTON – US Vice-President J.D. Vance voiced skepticism about the chances of a fully satisfactory peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, warning that any agreement would likely leave both Moscow and Kyiv unhappy. He said the United States is aiming for a settlement that both sides can accept, even if it falls short of their ideal outcomes.
His comments come ahead of a planned August 15 meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at ending the three-and-a-half-year conflict. Trump has suggested that Russia and Ukraine are nearing a ceasefire agreement, potentially involving significant territorial concessions by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected such an idea, stating that Ukraine’s constitution forbids surrendering territory and that no land will be “gifted to the occupiers.”
Vance explained that the US is working to arrange talks involving Putin, Zelensky, and Trump but believes it would be more productive for Putin to meet Trump first. The White House has expressed openness to a three-way meeting but, for now, is preparing for the bilateral talks requested by Putin.
The situation underscores the complexity of reaching a peace accord that addresses both territorial disputes and security concerns, one where all parties may have to accept difficult compromises to end the war.