U.S. Vice President JD Vance has issued a stark warning: the United States will pull out of ongoing peace efforts if Russia and Ukraine fail to reach an agreement. Speaking to reporters during a visit to India, Vance said, “We’ve made a clear proposal to both sides. It’s time to say ‘yes,’ or the U.S. walks away.”
Reports from U.S. media suggest President Donald Trump is open to recognizing Crimea as Russian territory—a potential cornerstone of the proposed agreement. “Both Ukraine and Russia will need to make territorial concessions,” Vance added.
This proposal was reportedly first discussed last week during a meeting in Paris with European leaders.
The diplomatic talks—currently taking place in London—have been scaled back. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who was scheduled to host foreign ministers, canceled the full meeting, citing unresolved disagreements. Official-level discussions are ongoing.
Escalating Violence Amid Peace Push
While peace talks stall, violence on the ground continues. A Russian drone strike in Marganets, southeastern Ukraine, killed nine and injured over 30 others, according to local officials. Additional strikes were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, and Odesa. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported one injury from shelling in the Belgorod region.
Peace Efforts Continue Behind the Scenes
Despite the tense climate, Ukraine’s presidential aide Andriy Yermak confirmed that he and top officials had arrived in London for discussions. “Despite everything, we will work for peace,” Yermak posted on Telegram.
U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg and French adviser Emmanuel Bonne are expected to attend. U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is also set to visit Moscow. According to The Financial Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to freeze the front line—on the condition that Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea is recognized.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded cautiously, warning that “many false reports are circulating.”
President Zelensky has insisted Ukraine would only engage in direct talks with Russia after a ceasefire. However, the Kremlin has dismissed calls for an immediate truce.
Trump’s 24-Hour Deal Promise Faces Reality
President Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to resolve the war in 24 hours, has so far struggled to secure Russian cooperation. “He wants the war to end and is frustrated with both sides,” said Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that he discussed the U.S. peace plan directly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after the Paris meeting. Rubio had planned to attend the London talks but ultimately opted for a phone call with Lammy instead.
Earlier, Trump proposed an unconditional ceasefire—accepted by Kyiv but rejected by Moscow. A separate 30-day moratorium on attacks targeting energy infrastructure has also reportedly expired, according to the Kremlin.
