Vice President JD Vance called out Moscow for demanding unrealistic territorial concessions from Ukraine in cease-fire negotiations, while still maintaining that a path to peace exists between the warring nations.
At a Glance
- VP Vance criticized Russia’s initial peace terms as “asking for too much” during his address at the Munich Security Conference
- Russia demanded Ukraine surrender territories Russia doesn’t fully control, including parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia
- Despite unrealistic opening demands, Vance believes direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations can achieve a “durable peace”
- The Vice President urged European nations to increase defense spending and independence
- Vance emphasized looking beyond temporary ceasefires toward long-term settlement solutions
Russia’s Excessive Demands
Vice President JD Vance delivered a frank assessment of Russia’s position in the ongoing Ukraine conflict during his appearance at the Munich Security Conference. Speaking to global leaders and security officials, Vance didn’t mince words about Moscow’s opening demands for peace negotiations, which included Ukraine surrendering territories that Russian forces don’t even fully control. These demands encompassed regions that President Putin claimed to annex in 2022, including Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhia oblasts.
“Certainly, the first peace offer that the Russians put on the table, our reaction was, ‘You’re asking for too much.’ But this is how negotiations unfold,” Vance stated during his appearance. Additional Russian demands reportedly include Ukraine not joining NATO, prohibiting foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine, and border adjustments that would favor Russian territorial claims. Despite characterizing these terms as non-starters, the Vice President acknowledged that such posturing is typical in diplomatic negotiations.
'US & European civilizations are linked' — Vance
At Munich Security Conference, he calls to review what shared values look like in 21st century https://t.co/AOaPwHhJUK pic.twitter.com/ICo1uuMY3P
— RT (@RT_com) May 7, 2025
Path to “Durable Peace”
Despite the seemingly insurmountable differences between Russian and Ukrainian positions, Vance expressed optimism about the prospects for peace. The Vice President emphasized that the United States is working to establish basic parameters for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. This approach aligns with the Trump administration’s broader foreign policy vision that prioritizes negotiated settlements over prolonged military conflicts. Vance’s stance reflects a pragmatic assessment of the situation on the ground, where Russia perceives itself as having the military advantage.
“We think that if cool heads prevail here, we can bring this thing to a durable peace that will be economically beneficial for both Ukrainians and the Russians,” Vance said at the conference.
The Vice President also indicated that Washington intends to continue pressuring both sides toward meaningful negotiations. While Ukraine has reportedly expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire, Russia has thus far shown reluctance to participate in such an arrangement. Vance emphasized looking beyond temporary measures, stating, “We’ve tried to move beyond the obsession with the 30-day ceasefire, and more on what the long-term settlement look like, and we’ve tried to consistently advance the ball.”
European Defense Responsibilities
Vance used his platform at the Munich conference to reinforce the administration’s “America First” approach to international security. He urged European nations to boost their defense spending and develop greater military independence, a position that has sparked some friction with NATO allies. This message aligns with President Trump’s longstanding calls for European partners to shoulder more of their defense burdens rather than relying heavily on American resources and personnel.
“It’s very important for the Russians and Ukrainians to start talking to one another,” the Vice President said.
The conflict’s roots trace back to 2014 when Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine rebelled following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Vance’s comments at Munich highlight the Trump administration’s determination to adopt a different approach to resolving the conflict than the previous administration. This represents a significant shift in American policy toward the region, with an emphasis on diplomatic solutions that acknowledge military realities while seeking to preserve Ukrainian sovereignty wherever possible.
