Vance Issues Ultimatum as Diplomatic Efforts Stall

U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned on Wednesday that the United States would "walk away" from negotiations unless Russia and Ukraine agree to a peace deal. His remarks came as envoys from Washington, Kiev, and European nations gathered for downgraded talks in London.

"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," Vance told reporters during a visit to India.

The diplomatic push coincides with escalating violence. A Russian drone strike on a bus transporting workers in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Marhanets killed nine people and wounded at least 30, according to Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Serhiy Lysak. Ukrainian authorities also reported attacks in Kiev, Kharkov, Poltava, and Odesa. Meanwhile, Russian officials said one person was wounded by shelling in the Belgorod region.

Diplomatic Setbacks as Talks Downgraded

The planned high-level meeting of foreign ministers in London was abruptly downgraded, signaling growing challenges in negotiations. The U.K. Foreign Office confirmed the postponement, stating that "official-level talks will continue."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the meeting’s cancellation reflected unresolved disagreements: "As far as we understand, it has not yet been possible to reconcile positions on any issues."

U.S. Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg and French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, were still expected to attend. Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed his delegation’s participation, writing on Telegram: "Despite everything, we will work for peace."

Putin’s Conditions and Zelensky’s Stance

According to The Financial Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin has privately signaled readiness to freeze the conflict along current frontlines—provided the U.S. recognizes Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Peskov dismissed the report as "fake," while Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would never accept Crimea as Russian territory.

"Ukraine does not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about," Zelensky said Tuesday. He insisted any direct talks with Moscow could only occur after a full ceasefire—a condition the Kremlin has rejected.

Meanwhile, U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Putin in Moscow this week, marking their fourth discussion amid intensifying diplomatic efforts.

Mounting Pressure and Unclear Prospects

The latest round of diplomacy follows a brief Easter truce. With casualties mounting and refugees exceeding seven million, pressure for a resolution is growing—but major hurdles remain.

Vance suggested territorial concessions would be necessary, stating that both sides must "give up some of the territory they currently own." However, Ukrainian officials have dismissed such compromises as "non-negotiable."

As talks continue behind closed doors, the path to peace remains uncertain, with neither side yet willing to make the concessions demanded by the other.