The United States has confirmed it will no longer act as a mediator in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, signaling a shift in its approach to the ongoing conflict.
A spokesperson for the US State Department, Tammy Bruce, stated that the US will no longer travel worldwide to mediate meetings, emphasizing a change in methodology. “It’s up to the two sides now,” Bruce said. “They must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict.”
This change comes as US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon. Speaking to Fox News, Vance explained that while former President Trump had helped bring both sides to the negotiating table, the US will no longer take the lead in mediating peace.
“We’re not going to end this anytime soon. It’s now up to Ukraine and Russia to come to an agreement,” Vance said.
The shift in US involvement follows recent developments in the conflict, including a major Russian assault on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people and injured 90, according to Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russia has expressed willingness for direct talks, but rejected a recent US peace proposal, citing the lack of recognition for Russian-occupied territories.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has consistently refused to acknowledge any Russian annexations, maintaining that President Vladimir Putin should not be rewarded for his invasion.
The US withdrawal from its mediating role marks a significant change in the dynamics of the war, leaving Ukraine and Russia to chart their own paths toward peace.
