US Vice President Defends Decision to Resume Direct Negotiations with Russia
The US vice president has come out in support of President Donald Trump’s decision to engage in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that it is a crucial step towards achieving peace in Ukraine. This move has been met with criticism from some EU officials, who have expressed concerns that Trump is walking into a “trap” set by Moscow.
In an interview with Fox News, Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized the importance of engaging in diplomatic talks with world leaders, even if one disagrees with their actions. “You don’t have to agree with Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, but if you want to bring about peace, you’ve got to be strong, and you’ve also got to talk to people,” he said.
Vance highlighted Trump’s foreign policy approach, which combines a strong military presence with a willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations. This approach marks a departure from the previous administration’s strategy of isolating Russia on the world stage. Trump has restarted direct talks with Moscow and has encouraged Ukraine to revive negotiations with Russia, which were suspended in 2022.
Although the recent summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska did not yield any significant breakthroughs, both sides hailed it as a positive step towards ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A planned follow-up summit in Budapest has been postponed indefinitely. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to resume contacts, dismissing media reports to the contrary as false.
The development comes as the international community continues to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US vice president’s defense of Trump’s decision to engage in direct negotiations with Russia reflects the administration’s commitment to exploring all avenues towards achieving peace. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how these diplomatic efforts play out.