Vince: Russia Will Not Get Territories It Has Not Yet Occupied
U.S. Vice President Joe Vance reformulated his stance regarding Russia's ambitions in Ukraine, sharply expressing skepticism about illusions concerning the possibility of regaining territories that Russia currently does not even control. In his new statement, he emphasized that Washington will not agree to the conditions Moscow seeks to impose and made a clear point: Russia should not assume it will be given lands it has not yet captured. This serves as a strong signal of support for Ukraine's efforts and a rejection of any illusory scenarios regarding the return of temporarily occupied regions under current negotiation conditions. In an interview with Fox News, the U.S. Vice President highlighted that the U.S. anticipated an escalation of Russia’s ambitions, as Moscow on the ground insisted that its war was a kind of victory. He stressed that Ukrainians aim to weaken the conflict and achieve a truce, especially considering the difficult months they have experienced. At the same time, the U.S. categorically opposes the idea of an uncontrolled, gradual return of territories under Russian control under any circumstances. “We were warned about Russia’s excessive demands because their perception of the war in Russia is that they are already winning. And Ukrainians also seek a ceasefire, especially given the challenging situation they have faced in recent months. But our position is very clear: we will not allow Russia to regain territories it has not yet captured. That was the initial message in Russia’s peace plans,” Vance emphasized. The U.S. Vice President also noted that progress in peace negotiations lies in the fact that Russia and Ukraine are essentially engaging in dialogue and offering specific settlement plans. However, he cautioned: if it becomes clear that Russia is negotiating sincerely and openly, and not merely feigning a process to lift critical sanctions or undermine Ukrainian interests, then the U.S. will be forced to withdraw from the diplomatic platform. “We cannot stay in negotiations if we see that Russia is not participating sincerely and transparently. In that case, the President of the United States will decide to exit negotiations. This would mean that both Russia and Ukraine will be left to resolve their issues on their own, without help or mediation from the United States. And in my opinion, this will not benefit either side—neither us nor them,” Vance concluded. At the same time, he acknowledged that recent diplomatic developments show some positive shifts: Russia and Ukraine are holding negotiations and proposing concrete plans to achieve peace. According to the Vice President, the U.S. continues working to bring the parties closer and to establish long-term stabilization of the situation. “We believe there are diplomatic breakthroughs. We must do everything possible to bring the countries closer together and achieve sustained peace. We cannot say we’ve already reached the final point, but we will insist and work on it until the very end. And if it becomes clear that further progress is impossible, we will be forced to withdraw and conclude our participation in these negotiations,” he summarized.