US Vice President JD Vance has dismissed suggestions that Russia is attempting to manipulate President Donald Trump in discussions over the war in Ukraine. Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, Vance argued that Moscow had already made “significant concessions” for the first time in over three years of conflict. He maintained that the United States was approaching talks “in good faith” with the aim of finding a diplomatic solution.
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Vance acknowledged that Russian officials had not fully shifted their position but insisted progress was being made. He stressed that Washington was working with both Kyiv and Moscow to identify “middle ground” to halt the fighting. “This war is not in Europe’s interest, it’s not in America’s interest, and we don’t think it’s in Russia or Ukraine’s interest either,” he said. “That’s why we are pushing for diplomacy with real urgency.”
The interview followed criticism of Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which some observers described as a setback for the United States. Commentators argued the encounter did little to advance peace talks and was seen by critics as an attempt by Trump to bolster his image at home. Satirist John Oliver noted that the optics of the summit raised questions about Trump’s credibility, particularly in light of his past controversies and political challenges.
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Reflecting on the wider diplomatic process, Vance said wars of such complexity often develop in “fits and starts” with alternating signs of progress and setbacks. He acknowledged that frustration remained on both sides but emphasised Washington’s determination to pursue negotiations. While conceding that talks might not immediately end the violence, he underlined that the objective was to create the conditions for both nations to reach sustainable compromise.
