US Vice-President JD Vance has said the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end in the near future, calling for both sides to seek “middle ground” in order to bring an end to the brutal, years-long conflict.
In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Vance acknowledged the prolonged nature of the war, which has entered its fourth year, and signalled that the US administration’s focus must now be on encouraging diplomacy.
“It’s not going to end any time soon,” Vance said. “The question now is how we can help Russia and Ukraine find middle ground to stop this brutal, brutal conflict.”
However, he made clear that the responsibility ultimately rests with the warring nations themselves: “It’s going to be up to [Russia and Ukraine] to come to an agreement.”
Security Pact Tied to Rare Earth Deal
Vance’s remarks come shortly after Washington signed a new agreement with Kyiv, granting the US future access to profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. In exchange, the US has pledged continued security assistance, although the exact details of the arrangement have not been disclosed.
The agreement is seen as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to recalibrate the US role in the conflict, particularly as domestic debates grow over the costs of long-term military support.
In the same interview, Vance defended former President Donald Trump’s approach to the war, arguing that endless territorial battles were not sustainable. “Yes, of course, [the Ukrainians] are angry that they were invaded,” he said. “But are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory this or that way?”
Earlier this week, Trump suggested that Ukraine may need to consider ceding Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, as part of any peace deal. The comments sparked controversy, particularly given Ukraine’s long-standing position on the peninsula.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that the constitution forbids conceding sovereign territory, effectively ruling out any settlement that leaves Crimea under Russian control.
Ceasefire Proposals Emerge Ahead of WWII Anniversary
Russian President Vladimir Putin this week announced a temporary three-day ceasefire beginning 8 May, to coincide with Victory Day commemorations marking the end of the Second World War.
In response, Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called for a broader 30-day ceasefire, saying such a move could lay the groundwork for meaningful negotiations.
Despite the statements, fighting has continued.
On Thursday night, a Russian drone strike hit the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring 14 people. No fatalities were reported.
Meanwhile, Russian officials accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on a market in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine on the same day. Seven people were reportedly killed and more than 20 injured. Kyiv denied targeting civilians, saying the attack was directed solely at military personnel.
Rubio: Trump Will ‘Have to Decide’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking separately on Fox News, stressed the urgency of progress. “There needs to be a breakthrough in the conflict soon,” he warned. “Otherwise, Trump will have to decide how much time to dedicate to this.”
The remarks reflect growing pressure on the US administration to deliver results ahead of the November election, amid war fatigue at home and intensifying demands from European allies for clarity on American strategy.
