When US Vice President JD Vance was asked about the war in Ukraine at a diplomatic forum in Washington last week, the diplomats were hoping they would veil Magazine’s criticism of Kiev and sympathy for Russia.
Instead, they heard something completely different. Vance states the following about the set of Russian proposals to end the conflict: “I think they want too much.”
Participants were surprised. Vance, one of the main characters in the now infamous oval office showdown in February, was torn apart by Ukrainian President Voldy Mee Zelensky, accusing him of not being fully grateful for his support.
Vance’s comments were part of a notable change in tone by the Trump administration. US officials appear to be panicking for Vladimir Putin as suspicions grow that Russian leaders, not Zelensky, could be the biggest obstacle to peace.
“Americans had this simple idea. They captivate Russia, put pressure on Zelensky, and we get a deal,” said Wolfgang Isinger, a former German ambassador to the US, who Vance commented on at the forum last week. “It turns out that simply attractive Russia isn’t enough.”
International efforts to end the war have been intensifying recently. Putin’s proposal says Russia and Ukraine will meet in person in Turkey on Thursday, but it is unclear whether Russian leaders will be present in person.
On Tuesday, White House officials said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg would be on board.
But Trump’s most desirable objective – a ceasefire that could lead to peace talks and an end to the war – has escaped him so far. President Putin has rejected international calls to halt combat despite threats from Western countries, including the United States.
The obvious incompromise in Russia proves to be an irritating factor for Trump, observers say. “You hear frustration [his] Communications said Michael McFauul, former US ambassador to Russia.
In fact, Washington last month expressed his willingness to recognize Russia’s rule over Crimea under a series of proposals distributed by the United States last month.
Trump’s social media posts reflect his obvious impatience. In late April, after Russia launched missiles into Ukraine’s civilian regions, he said he thought the Kremlin was “just smacking me” and threatened to impose secondary and bank sanctions on Moscow.
“We conclude that Putin is not a friend of the US,” said Bill Taylor, who served as Ukraine’s US ambassador from 2006 to 2009. “There’s that recognition [he] It should not be trusted. . . That he hasn’t negotiated seriously. ”
It is becoming increasingly difficult to blame Ukrainians for the ongoing battle. Over the past few weeks, Zelenskyy has been in his way to present himself as a supportive partner, supporting the demands of a ceasefire. On Sunday, he agreed to Putin’s proposal for a direct meeting in Turkey after Trump urged him to accept it.
Kiev and Washington’s relationship has bounced back since the oval office spat in February, thanks to mineral trade that paved the way for co-investment in Ukraine’s important resources by the two countries.
Ukrainian officials say the agreement is likely to ensure that the US will continue to support Ukraine’s defense. “Right now, Trump has skin in the game,” one said.
However, it remains unclear whether Trump has really shifted sympathy to Ukraine or is ready to punish Russia for its rejection.
Most Western leaders and Kellogg, who are US special envoys to Ukraine, were critical of Putin’s offer to meet in person, saying there should be a ceasefire first, but Trump praised Russian leader Gambit and praised “a potentially wonderful day for Russia and Ukraine.”
“We definitely see Putin not playing ball,” said Eric Green, former aide to National Security Council President Joe Biden, a non-resident scholar at Carnegie Donations, an international peace think tank. “But I’m not sure the outcome will be meaningful pressure on Putin.”
Ischinger said he was “pleasant” that Vance has moved to Russia and that the US and Europe’s positions in the war in Ukraine are “converging.” However, the former US German ambassador added that the vice president “didn’t take the next logical step.”
However, other American politicians want to be tough on Moscow. Trump’s ally Sen. Lindsey Graham said Putin has gained bipartisan support for a bill that would “crush the bones” sanctions on Russia, including 500% tariffs from countries that buy oil and gas, if President Putin does not launch serious negotiations to end the war.
The bill is supported by 72 senators. This is an indication that support for Ukraine remains strong against Capitol Hill.
“These sanctions represent the Senate’s view that we see as Russia as the main bad guy,” Graham told reporters later last month. Putin added: “I’m sure he’s making a big mistake trying to play Trump.”
Meanwhile, Russia says it is banking the US president, who has lost patience in the peace process. “Putin has been playing a long game and he thinks he has time on his side,” McFar said. “He calculates that Trump will lose interest and that Americans will cut off military aid, which will make the Ukrainian army even weaker,” said the former US ambassador for Russia.
Others believe the risk of the US president abandoning Ukraine has decreased in recent weeks.
Thomas Graham, a well-known fellow of the Foreign Relations Council and former senior Russian director on National Security Council staff, said Trump will struggle to achieve one of his main goals, a reset of relations with Russia, without first solving Ukraine’s issues.
“It’s in danger,” he said. “Yes, he still managed to leave Ukraine, but if he does, it looks like a failure.”
Additional Reports by Christopher Miller of Kyiv
