United States: In a candid exchange on Fox News, US Vice President JD Vance tempered expectations for a swift resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, warning that the end is not yet in sight. This statement surfaced just hours after a strategic pact on mineral resources was inked between Washington and Kyiv—an agreement that subtly envisions peace as one of its broader aspirations.
Vance’s remarks carved a stark contrast to earlier, more optimistic tones coming from the White House. He argued that while President Donald Trump had secured what he called a “substantial diplomatic opening,” the real path to peace remains squarely in the hands of the two feuding nations.
“The destiny of this savage war rests with them,” Vance declared. “This isn’t something that’ll wrap up soon. It’s a long road ahead.”
He acknowledged Ukrainian fury over the invasion but questioned whether prolonged combat over fractional territories was worth the mounting bloodshed. “They’re outraged—and rightly so—but how many more lives must vanish over slivers of contested land? Let’s hope sanity finds both sides,” he stated.
President Trump recently hinted that both Russia and Ukraine were nearing an understanding following a significant Kremlin visit by his envoy, Steve Witkoff, who reportedly spent hours behind closed doors with Vladimir Putin.
Despite such assertions, progress remains elusive. Trump had boldly promised to end the war within a day of assuming office, but the peace path has largely stalled. Even after top-level dialogues and two direct conversations between Trump and Putin, the conflict trudges on.
Russia has snubbed a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire—one Ukraine was ready to honor—and remains adamant about having the territories it seized recognized as Russian land. This demand cuts against long-standing global legal norms and threatens to disrupt the very fabric of international law, according to reports by CNN.
The Kremlin has also persisted with its aerial onslaught, targeting cities far from battle zones with relentless missile strikes, making the idea of de-escalation feel remote.
Still, Vance found a silver lining in the mere existence of peace talks. “Just the fact that these discussions are occurring—it’s a kind of triumph,” he told Fox News.
“No one else could’ve pulled this off—none of the 8 billion souls on Earth—except Donald J. Trump. When I talk about ‘the deal,’ I mean getting both camps to even consider laying down arms.”
Putin, meanwhile, announced a three-day solo ceasefire from May 8 to May 11. The Trump camp and President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by reiterating their push for a lasting end to hostilities.
However, mixed signals from Washington continue to cloud the process. The Trump administration swings between accusing Moscow and pointing fingers at Kyiv for stalled negotiations.
Trump recently lashed out at Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea—a peninsula annexed illegally by Russia in 2014. He branded Zelensky’s stance “deeply unhelpful to peace,” adding, “This isn’t the time to play proud. Ukraine’s at a breaking point. He can embrace peace now—or watch the country crumble in a few years,” as per CNN.
Days later, after a private chat with Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump raised doubts about Putin’s intentions, wondering aloud if the Russian leader “maybe… doesn’t really want to stop.”
The administration’s patience appears to be wearing thin. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that if real headway isn’t made soon, Trump might reconsider whether it’s worth continuing the push for a settlement.
