Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. will leave ongoing Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations if both sides fail to accept the Trump administration’s latest proposal, according to NBC News and Le Monde. During remarks in India on Wednesday, April 23, Vance said the U.S. presented a “very explicit proposal” to both countries.
Washington’s continued involvement hinges on their cooperation, Vance added.
The vice president said the plan aims to stop hostilities by locking in territorial boundaries near “where they are today.” He noted the administration’s extensive diplomatic efforts but said the next step must come from Moscow and Kyiv.
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What is Trump’s peace proposal?
The U.S. plan includes formal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and acceptance of Russia’s control over parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, according to reporting by Axios and the Financial Times.
The plan would bar Ukraine from joining NATO but allow for eventual European Union membership. The U.S. would lift sanctions on Russia imposed since 2014 and pursue deeper economic ties with Moscow.
Ukraine would receive modest guarantees such as limited territory in Kharkiv, navigation rights on the Dnipro and reconstruction assistance, though key implementation details remain vague.
How has Ukraine responded?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the idea of ceding Crimea or any other occupied territory, calling the plan unacceptable. He reiterated Kyiv’s stance during talks in Paris and again ahead of a scheduled London meeting.
“There is nothing to talk about — it is our land,” Zelenskyy said.
Despite that, a Ukrainian delegation was sent to go to the London talks, which were scaled back after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff canceled their participation. The Washington Post reported Witkoff is still scheduled to visit Moscow.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains open to negotiations resulting in a full and unconditional ceasefire, not territorial concessions.
What role is Russia playing in the talks?
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly offered to freeze military advances along current front lines. According to The Financial Times, Putin suggested Moscow may relinquish claims to parts of Ukrainian regions still under Kyiv’s control, but only if the U.S. agrees to broader geopolitical concessions.
Putin’s advisers acknowledged ongoing discussions with U.S. officials. Russian conditions for a ceasefire include recognition of annexed territory, the rollback of NATO influence in the region and a neutral Ukraine.
