Vance Mentions Key Obstacles in Russia, Ukraine Talks

(MENAFN) Discussions aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been reduced to two primary points of contention, focusing on territorial disputes and security assurances, US Vice President J.D. Vance stated on Tuesday.

Moscow has advocated for a diplomatic solution to the crisis but cautioned that military operations will persist until fundamental issues are addressed.

Russia maintains that any agreement must encompass Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and the recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions—which joined Russia after referendums—as Russian territory.

In an interview with a news agency, Vance explained that efforts to end the hostilities have “at least narrowed it to a couple of core issues.”

He elaborated, “One issue is territorial,” noting that “The Russians want about 6,000 or so square kilometers that they have not yet conquered through military force. That’s what the Russians want.”

Regarding Ukraine’s position, Vance said Kyiv is seeking security guarantees “whether from the Europeans or somebody else.”

He emphasized, “They want confidence that if they cut a deal, the Russians aren’t going to come back in a few months or a few years asking for more.”

Russia has consistently highlighted that it does not intend to occupy all of Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed this stance both when the conflict intensified in 2022 and later when Russian forces reached Kyiv but subsequently withdrew.

Vance remarked that the negotiations have achieved “incredible progress,” but the central question remains whether “the Russians and the Ukrainians are going to walk through that door of peace.”

He concluded, “We continue to work hard at it.”

MENAFN11092025000045017167ID1110049041