Vance Says Putin ‘Asking Too Much,’ Calls For Direct Talks As Russia, Ukraine Exchange Major Drone Strikes

English

Gazeta Express

07/05/2025 22:53

US Vice President JD Vance called for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, saying a deal to end Moscow’s war against its neighbor might be out of reach without such contacts.

In comments on May 7, Vance said Russia is “asking too much” but also suggested Ukraine should not be fixated on the idea of a 30-day cease-fire. He said “the gulf is wide” but he is “reasonably optimistic” about the chances of ending the war.

“You don’t need to agree with Russian justification of the war, but you need to understand where they are coming from — making them talk of what it takes for them to end the war,” Vance said at an event in Washington. “[The] Russians are asking for certain set of things, and we think they are asking too much.”

“The step we need to take right now is we need Russia and Ukraine to start talking to one another,” said Vance. “We think it’s probably impossible for us to mediate the whole process fully without at least some direct negotiations.”

The comments from Vance, who said last week that the biggest war in Europe since 1945 would not end “anytime soon,” spoke after Russia and Ukraine exchanged major drone attacks ahead of World War II commemorations on May 8-9.

Russia fired ballistic missiles and dozens of drones at Ukraine overnight, killing at least two people and wounding several others in Kyiv in one of the heaviest attacks in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks yet on May 6-7, targeting Moscow for the third straight night ahead of a May 9 military parade marking Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II. No injuries were reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address on May 7 that his country stood by its offer to observe a 30-day cease-fire.

“Ukraine’s proposal to cease strikes and establish at least a 30-day ceasefire remains in force,” Zelenskyy said. “We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could give diplomacy a chance.”

Zelenskyy also indirectly acknowledged the numerous drone attacks that have been targeting Russia in recent days.

“It is absolutely fair that Russian skies, the skies of the aggressor, are also not calm today, in a mirror-like way,” he said.

On the diplomatic front, Germany’s new chancellor vowed continued European support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia and said US engagement is crucial for ending the war and ensuring peace once the fighting stops.