Trump May End Diplomatic Push if Putin Shows No Willingness to Negotiate, Says VP Vance
Vice President JD Vance cautioned that Donald Trump is fully prepared to walk away from diplomatic efforts if Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrates a lack of sincerity in pursuing a resolution. “We’re not going to waste time,” Vance stated, underscoring that the Trump administration is focused on tangible results.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, expressed optimism about the former president’s ability to connect personally with Putin, saying that a direct conversation could break the stalemate. “I think the call will go very well,” he remarked.
Despite this, some remain skeptical. Critics argue Trump’s perceived closeness with Putin might come at Ukraine’s expense. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who stepped down last month, voiced concern over the administration’s stance. She recalled a February meeting in the Oval Office where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was allegedly chastised for not showing sufficient deference. “Peace that comes at any cost is not true peace,” she said.
Trump earlier stated that his planned call with Putin would focus on ending the ongoing conflict—referring to it as a “bloodbath”—and could also include trade discussions, hinting that economic incentives might play a role in any potential deal. His administration has indicated a willingness to reconsider sanctions if Russia negotiates sincerely.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated this approach during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, warning that sanctions could be tightened should Russia fail to engage. He also criticized previous measures under President Joe Biden, arguing they had little effect on curbing Russia’s oil revenue.
Although a broader ceasefire remains uncertain, both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a substantial prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side, according to Ukrainian intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov.
Putin, for now, has declined Zelenskyy’s offer to meet in Turkey, reportedly preferring to wait until Trump is directly involved. “We’ll meet, and we’ll either find a solution—or not,” Trump said on Friday during his departure from the Middle East. “But at least we’ll have clarity.”
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, held discussions in Rome with VP Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He later posted on X that their meeting covered sanctions, defense cooperation, the current military situation, and the upcoming prisoner exchange. “Russia must be pressured until it truly wants to end the war,” he said.
Ahead of his call with Putin, Trump also consulted with European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. Following these talks, Macron urged Putin to accept a 30-day ceasefire, unconditionally backed by Ukraine and the EU.
