The US has announced that Russia has made important concessions in ongoing peace talks about the conflict in Ukraine. US Vice President JD Vance said these changes show a shift in Russia’s position.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time in over three years, recognized Ukraine’s need for security guarantees. This marks a significant development in the talks.
According to Vance, Russia has moved away from its early demand to install a pro-Russian government in Kyiv. Moscow now accepts that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be respected. This change differs from Russia’s initial hardline stance.
The conflict began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the fighting has become the deadliest in Europe since World War II, causing thousands of deaths. Early in the war, Russia demanded control over annexed areas, restrictions on Ukraine’s ties with the West, and a promise that Ukraine would not join NATO.
Sources say Russia still wants control over the eastern Donbas region. Moscow also seeks Ukraine’s neutrality and wants no Western troops on its soil. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any security guarantees for Ukraine should have support from the UN Security Council.
Meanwhile, the US has increased pressure on Russia. Former President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions if no progress happens soon. Vance explained that sanctions would be evaluated “case by case” but might not be enough alone to force Russia to stop the war.
Trump also uses economic measures, such as a 25% tariff on Indian goods, to pressure countries helping Russia’s oil trade. Vance said Russia could rejoin the world economy if it stops the fighting but will remain isolated otherwise.
The US continues to monitor the situation closely as peace talks progress.
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