JD Vance: Russia-Ukraine Conflict Unlikely to End Soon

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has stated that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with little sign of resolution in the near term.

During an interview broadcast on Fox News on Thursday, Vance explained that the Trump administration is attempting to establish “some middle ground” to halt a war that has now entered its fourth year.

“This conflict is not going away... It’s unlikely to conclude any time soon,” Vance remarked.

His remarks came shortly after the United States and Ukraine formalised a long-anticipated minerals agreement, which Vance described as a sign of progress from the White House.

Although Vance expressed hope for a potential breakthrough in peace negotiations, he admitted that true resolution would ultimately require decisive action from both Moscow and Kyiv. “While I remain hopeful, it's difficult to feel confident—Russia and Ukraine must be the ones to take the final step,” he said.

On Wednesday, after months of detailed negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a new economic partnership deal. The agreement grants Washington preferential access to key Ukrainian natural resources.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the deal “historic”, noting that it would not only support Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery but also help drive efforts towards ending the conflict.

Ukrainian officials praised the partnership, saying it stands to benefit both nations and marks a positive step in bilateral cooperation.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has prioritised securing a resource-sharing agreement with Ukraine. The deal is seen as a form of reciprocal benefit for continued U.S. support throughout the war, focusing on rare earth elements, oil, gas, and other strategic assets.

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed he could bring the war to an end “within a day” if elected.

However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning earlier this week, cautioning that unless Moscow and Kyiv present clear proposals for ending the war, Washington may reconsider its diplomatic involvement.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin reaffirmed on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to engaging in peace talks with Ukraine, although no concrete progress has yet been reported.

(Sources: cnbc.com)