Vance criticized "bargaining" between Ukraine and Russia over "a few square kilometers"
US Vice President J.D. Vance stated during a visit to Hungary that he considers bargaining between Ukraine and Russia over "a few square kilometers" inappropriate. As reported by "European Truth," he said this on April 8.
J.D. Vance. Photo: Kent Nishimura / Getty Images
Commenting on the negotiation process for settling the Russian-Ukrainian war, Vance questioned the expediency of disputing over "a few square kilometers," apparently hinting that Kyiv should make territorial concessions.
"I would say to both the Russians and the Ukrainians: you know, at this point, we're talking about bargaining over a few square kilometers of territory one way or the other. Is that worth the loss of hundreds of thousands of additional Russian and Ukrainian young men? Is it worth additional months or even years of high energy prices and economic devastation? We believe the answer is unequivocally 'no'," the US Vice President stated.
He added that "it takes two to tango," so Russians and Ukrainians must agree among themselves.
"Therefore, while Viktor [Orban] and President Trump will continue to work on a peaceful settlement, essentially, we can only open the door. The Russians and Ukrainians must walk through it themselves," Vance stated.
It is worth noting that the contradictions between Russia and Ukraine on the territorial issue concern not "a few square kilometers," as Vance claims. The Russian side demands that Ukraine withdraw its troops at least from the part of the Donetsk region that has not been captured by Russian troops in four years. This is about 20% of the territory of this region, which includes, among other things, large cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. In addition, these territories are strategically important for Ukraine, as strong defense lines have been built on them.
J.D. Vance has been in Hungary since yesterday. He arrived there to support the pro-Russian Prime Minister of the country, Viktor Orban, ahead of the parliamentary elections, which are to take place next Sunday, April 12. Viktor Orban is warmly supported by US President Donald Trump.