U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has, for the first time, publicly outlined Washington’s plan to end the war in Ukraine—a proposal that effectively aligns with key demands from Moscow.
He warned that if Kyiv and Moscow do not accept the terms, the U.S. will withdraw from the negotiation process.
We have made a very clear proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians. It’s time for them to say ‘yes’—or the U.S. will step away, Vance said on Wednesday while speaking in India.
According to him, the plan calls for a “freeze” of the front line at current positions, Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO membership, and recognition of Crimea’s annexation by Russia. Vance stated that “both armies must lay down their weapons” and focus on building “a better Russia and a better Ukraine.”
The plan essentially requires Ukraine to give up significant portions of its territory. According to the Deep State project, Russia currently controls about 18.7% of Ukrainian land. Vance did not clarify what, if anything, Russia would be expected to concede.
His remarks came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a firm statement rejecting any recognition of Crimea’s annexation or abandoning the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. “This violates our Constitution. This is our land,” Zelensky emphasized.
On the same day, former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of Zelensky, accusing him of inflaming the conflict.
If he wants Crimea so badly, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a single shot? Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Vance’s proposal has increased pressure on Kyiv and raised growing concerns across Europe. According to sources cited by The Times, the absence of key American negotiators—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff—at the London talks came as an unexpected blow to European diplomatic efforts. While representatives from the UK, France, and Germany held technical consultations with the Ukrainian delegation, the lack of top-level American participation sparked fears that Washington is pursuing a separate track with Moscow.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced that Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in Moscow later this week.
