The Trump administration has grown frustrated with both Ukraine and Russia over stalled negotiations, but Vance’s remarks mark a sharp tone toward Moscow.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Russia on Wednesday, stating that Moscow is demanding excessive concessions to end its invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at a Munich Security Conference event, Vance said, “The Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements… We think they’re asking for too much.”
The Trump administration has grown frustrated with both Ukraine and Russia over stalled negotiations, but Vance’s remarks mark a sharp tone toward Moscow.
“We think it’s probably impossible for us to mediate this entirely without at least some direct negotiation between the two,” he said.
Russia reportedly wants Ukraine to abandon NATO ambitions, recognize its territorial losses, and prohibit European peacekeepers. Ukraine, however, seeks firm security guarantees.
Vance, who previously clashed with European leaders over censorship concerns, struck a more diplomatic tone, saying, “We’re on the same civilizational team.”