Vance Says Russia is 'Asking for Too Much' in Ceasefire Negotiations with Ukraine

What Happened?

Vice President JD Vance told global officials Wednesday that Russia is 'asking for too much' in efforts to end its ongoing war with Ukraine.

Vance met for the Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, where discussions focused on a long-term settlement in Kyiv.

Moscow previously rejected the U.S. call for a 30-day ceasefire.

'The Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict,' Vance said.

He added that Russia is likely to have to make concessions as the U.S. begins to test its patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Trump administration was recently prepared to walk away from peace deal discussions that involved the two parties.

'We would like both the Russians and the Ukrainians to actually agree on some basic guidelines for sitting down and talking to one another,' said Vance. 'That is the next big step we’d like to take.'

Why it Matters

Putin announced a temporary ceasefire that coincides with the 80th anniversary of 'Victory Day.'

It's a day when Russia celebrates its victory over the Nazis.

Trump said he believed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was prepared to forfeit his claim to the Crimean Peninsula.

Those remarks generated movement in Russia's latest truce efforts.

The Kremlin informed the media that its unilateral three-day ceasefire would begin at midnight local time on May 8 and end at midnight on May 11.

Any actions in defiance, Moscow said, would be met with a response.

A barrage of strikes between Ukraine and Russia was reportedly exchanged late Tuesday, leading up to the temporary ceasefire.

At least two people were killed in Kyiv, according to reports, as Zelensky called for 'significantly intensified pressure on Russia.'

But Trump still believes the two sides are very close to a deal.

Ukraine has shown its commitment after signing an agreement to grant the U.S. valuable rare mineral access for years to come.

The move was essential for Kyiv in the hopes of ensuring continued access to future U.S. military aid.

The current draft would also not conflict with Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership.

How it Affects You

The success of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement has begun to shift more attention to Russia.

Putin's land demands consist of taking control of four Ukrainian regions as part of any agreement to end the war in Kyiv.

Ukraine has not made any commitment to forfeiting large areas of land.

U.S. officials have also been unsuccessful in persuading Putin to extend truce efforts.

The world patiently awaits Russia's next course of action as the U.S. and Ukraine begin to gain more mutual support.