US Vice President JD Vance has said Russia has made “significant concessions” in ongoing discussions over a possible peace settlement in Ukraine, though he cautioned that the conflict remains far from resolution.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance said Russian President Vladimir Putin has for the first time acknowledged Ukraine’s need for security guarantees to prevent future aggression.
“I think the Russians have made significant concessions to President Trump for the first time in three and a half years of this conflict,” he said.
According to Vance, Moscow has backed away from its early demand to install a pro-Russian government in Kyiv and accepted that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be safeguarded — a shift from its initial hardline position.
Background: Invasion and demands
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, killing tens of thousands. At the outset, Putin demanded recognition of Moscow’s control over annexed regions, curbs on Ukraine’s ties with the West, and a pledge to remain outside NATO.
Sources told Reuters last week that Russia still seeks control of the eastern Donbas region, neutrality from Kyiv, and a ban on Western troops in Ukraine as part of any deal.
Russian Foreign Ministesar Sergei Lavrov added on Sunday that any security guarantees for Ukraine should be backed by United Nations Security Council members.
Trump’s pressure on Moscow
The developments come as President Donald Trump increases pressure on Moscow. On Friday, Trump threatened new sanctions if no progress is made within two weeks, following his meeting with Putin in Alaska.
Vance said sanctions would be assessed “case by case,” but acknowledged they are unlikely to alone force Moscow into a ceasefire. Instead, Trump has signaled willingness to use economic leverage, citing his recent 25% tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
“He’s tried to make it clear that Russia can be re-invited into the world economy if they stop the killing,” Vance said. “But they’re going to continue to be isolated if they don’t.”
