Vance Outlines U.S. Plan for Ukraine That Sharply Favors Russia

The New York Times ^ | April 23, 2025 | Updated 3:32 p.m. ET | Michael D. Shear and Mark Landler

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday called on Ukraine to accept an American peace proposal that closely aligns with longstanding Russian goals, including a “freeze” of territorial lines in the three-year war, acceptance of the annexation of Crimea by Russia and a prohibition on Ukraine becoming part of the NATO alliance.

It was the first time a U.S. official had publicly laid out a plan to end the war that favors Russia in such stark terms.

A peace plan that leaves Russian forces deep inside eastern Ukraine would be welcome news in Moscow. President Vladimir V. Putin has said for almost year that he would accept a cease-fire in which Ukraine withdraws troops from the four regions that Russia has claimed as its own and drops its aspirations to join NATO.

The comments by the vice president appeared designed to increase pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who has long refused to accept Russian’s occupation of his country’s lands, including the seizure of Crimea in 2014 and territory taken by Russia after it invaded Ukraine in early 2022.

In a second blow to Mr. Zelensky, President Trump lashed out at the Ukrainian president on Wednesday afternoon, writing on Truth Social, his social media site, that “he can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years.”

Mr. Vance, speaking during a trip to India, said the United States would “walk away” from the peace process if both Ukraine and Russia refused to accept the American terms. But Mr. Zelensky was clearly the target.

“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process,” Mr. Vance told reporters. “The only way...”

[mbrfl]

Trump’s comments from earlier today seemed to suggest that such a declaration over Crimea was NOT part of the deal.

[Mariner]

It’s either this or continue without the US.

Choose.

[Navy Patriot]

Vance Outlines U.S. Plan for Ukraine That Sharply Favors Russia

[Salamander]

I’m just here for the popcorn.

[Worldtraveler once upon a time]

--- " 'We've issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it's time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process,' Mr. Vance told reporters. "

Several from the Trump-Vance administration have said something like this for a number of days now.

It's time for those fine Brit, French and German leaders to lead themselves into battle. After a next round of meetings to decide when another round of meetings and fine buffets can be had....

[Jyotishi]

“Mr. Vance, speaking during a trip to India, said the United States would ‘walk away’ from the peace process if both Ukraine and Russia refused to accept the American terms.”

Great, as it should be.

[escapefromboston]

Well unfortunately the Ukraine has no cards.
They could have gotten a better deal if they made a peace deal right near the start of the invasion but the Western powers really thought Russia would crumble in a week after the sanctions.

[Organic Panic]

OK. So let’s hear the rest of Europe and the democrat party proposals? Fight until every Ukrainian is dead and Putin captures the whole nation? Declare war on Putin and send an EU invasion force?

[GOPJ]

The New York Times is NOT a credible source...

[BrexitBen]

The New York Times, as has been true throughout their infamous history, just loves cheerleading for war and misery.

[FreedomForce]

Walking away isn’t the end of the U.S’s involvement. It’s part of the negotiations. We may walk away a few times during the course of this.

[Bernard]

It’s a reality-based plan. Despite all the money the dems flushed into the Ukraine war effort, the current borders are where they are. “Give it back” is not a realistic bargaining ploy for peace; just a challenge to keep killing people.

[butterdezillion]

All you have to do is read the headline to know this isn’t a serious article.

Every day I’m amazed at how much lower my opinion of them can go. Pretty soon it’s gonna be deep in the earth’s core.

[Bobbyvotes]

The current war situation favors Russia. How much more destruction of Ukraine Zelensky desires?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The current war situation favors Russia. How much more destruction of Ukraine Zelensky desires?

That can't be true.

The Zeepers contend Ukraine is winning.

Just ask one of them.

[Lysandru]

MEMO to "The Slimes:"

The battlefield reality favors the Russians. And it isn't going to get more Ukrainian-friendly short of a U.S,-led escalation that would risk nuclear escalation.

[rfp1234]

Basically, we’re at a turning point similar to Korea in 1953.

[kaktuskid]

In other words..a DMZ.

[rfp1234]

Except this time, it will be the Brits, French, Germans, Danes, and a few others who attempt to patrol it. Best of luck with that.