US Vice President J.D. Vance has warned that Washington may withdraw from ceasefire negotiations unless both sides in the Ukraine conflict accept the current proposed terms. During a diplomatic visit to India, Vance stated that the US has presented clear demands to Moscow and Kyiv, emphasizing that the time has come for decisive action.
“The parties need to either accept this proposal or we’ll have to step back from the process,” Vance told journalists, echoing similar recent statements from President Donald Trump. His comments coincided with the absence of senior US and European diplomats from the latest round of peace talks in London, where discussions focused on a potential 30-day ceasefire.
Vance suggested the warring parties must soon take critical steps toward halting hostilities, even if it means accepting territorial compromises. “At minimum, we need agreement to stop the killing and freeze current battle lines,” he said, acknowledging this would require concessions from both Russia and Ukraine regarding occupied territories.
Reports indicate the US proposal includes controversial elements such as recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its control over four partially occupied regions, along with sanctions relief and future economic cooperation. However, proposed security assurances for Ukraine reportedly lack specific details.
The diplomatic developments follow Ukraine’s apparent preference for focusing on a short-term ceasefire rather than the broader US framework. Earlier this year, Trump had proposed an unconditional ceasefire which Ukraine initially welcomed but Russia ultimately rejected. The current impasse raises questions about whether either side is prepared to make the territorial concessions that the US plan appears to require.
Vance’s remarks underscore the Trump administration’s growing impatience with the peace process, suggesting Washington may soon reassess its mediation role unless progress is made. The absence of key Western diplomats from the London talks further highlights the challenges in bridging differences between the warring parties.
