Speaking to One America News Network, Vance said that negotiations have narrowed to two central issues: territory and security, APA reports, citing pravda.ru.
According to him, Moscow wants control over 6,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land not currently under its control. Meanwhile, Ukraine is demanding security guarantees from Europe or other powers to ensure Russia does not attempt another offensive in the future.
“I think right now we’re at a point where we’ve at least narrowed things down to a couple of core issues. One of them is territorial. The Russians want about 6,000 square kilometers they have not yet taken. That’s what they want,” Vance stated.
The vice president described the talks as showing “incredible progress” but admitted the final question remains whether “the Russians and Ukrainians will walk through the door to peace.”
On the other side, Ukraine is pressing for assurances—whether from Europe or other allies—that Moscow will not return in the future with fresh demands after any settlement is reached.
“The Ukrainians, on the flip side, they want a security guarantee, whether from the Europeans or somebody else, because they want confidence that if they cut a deal, the Russians aren’t going to come back in a few months or a few years asking for more,” he added.
