In a dramatic shift that could reshape the future of the war in Ukraine, Vice President JD Vance has delivered an unmistakable message to both Moscow and Kyiv: accept the U.S. peace proposal — or watch America walk away from the negotiating table.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to India, Vance didn’t mince words.
“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and Ukrainians,” he said. “And it’s time for them to either say yes, or for the U.S. to walk away from this process. We’ve engaged in an extraordinary amount of diplomacy, of on-the-ground work.”
Vance’s warning marks the most definitive public statement yet from the Trump administration that the United States may no longer play middleman in a war that has raged for over three years and claimed thousands of lives.
Rubio Bows Out, Talks in London Underway Without Him
The comments come just as Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed out of a planned visit to London, where ceasefire negotiations are currently underway. A State Department spokesperson cited “logistical issues” as the reason for the cancellation, though Rubio later said he would “follow up” after the talks and reschedule his trip.
Instead, Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, is representing the U.S. at the London meetings.
But Rubio’s absence — and Vance’s no-nonsense tone — suggest growing impatience in Washington over the lack of progress in securing a permanent ceasefire.
Trump: “We’re Not Gonna Take That”
President Donald Trump backed Vance’s tough stance, reiterating that the U.S. would not stand by while “people are being killed” and both sides “play games.”
“Every day a lot of people are being killed,” Trump said. “We’re not gonna take that. We want to see it end.”
Trump added he believes the U.S. still has a “good chance” at securing peace — if both sides are willing to cooperate and look ahead to economic partnerships with America after the war.
Experts Skeptical: ‘Putin Doesn’t Want Peace’
Not everyone shares the administration’s optimism.
Security experts have expressed skepticism that a deal is anywhere near. Russian President Vladimir Putin, they warn, has shown no sign of compromise. And despite a temporary Easter ceasefire, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violations within hours of it taking effect.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has remained firm in rejecting any peace terms that involve territorial concessions.
What Happens If the U.S. Walks Away?
If the United States pulls back from mediation, it could upend ongoing diplomacy and potentially harden the conflict, especially if no other major power steps in to fill the vacuum.
But for now, the ball is in Moscow and Kyiv’s court — and the clock, it seems, is ticking fast.