© EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO The Deputy Head of State emphasized the significant cost of prolonging the conflict.
The United States feels optimistic regarding the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia concerning a peaceful resolution, but considers that haggling “over some square kilometers” is unsuitable. This statement was made by US Deputy Head of State J.D. Vance while visiting Hungary.
“What I would communicate to both the Russians and the Ukrainians is, you know, at present we're discussing the exchange of a few square kilometers of land in one direction or another. Is it justifiable considering the loss of hundreds of thousands of additional Russian and Ukrainian young men? Is it justifiable considering the additional months or even years of elevated energy costs and economic devastation?” the US deputy head of state said.
Vance mentioned that the US facilitated discussions between Ukrainians and Russians, who initially were unable to clearly define their stances.
“Initially, we couldn't persuade the Russian Federation and Ukraine to even articulate what their desires were to end the hostilities. Now we have accomplished that. We have obtained documents from the Ukrainians and the Russians. We actually compelled them to express their standpoints, and progressively their positions have converged closer and closer,” Vance stated.
He observed that Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump can only create an opportunity, but Ukrainians and Russians must utilize it themselves.
As a reminder, Vance arrived in Hungary on April 7 to lend support to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's electoral campaign. This constitutes the inaugural visit by a US deputy head of state since 1991.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban conveyed his readiness to organize a peace summit in Budapest.