Overview

• Vice President JD Vance condemned Russia's territorial demands in ending the Ukraine war, labeling them as excessive and unreasonable.
• The U.S. maintains that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are essential for any meaningful progress toward peace.
• At the Munich Security Conference event in Washington, Vance softened his tone toward Europe, emphasizing transatlantic unity while advocating for shared defense responsibilities.
• Russia insists on Ukraine's NATO exclusion and recognition of annexed territories, while Ukraine demands Western security guarantees to prevent future aggression.
• The Trump administration continues to push for a framework of basic guidelines to facilitate direct talks, though the peace process remains stalled.