[By Guancha Observer Network, Zhang Jingjuan] The mediation efforts by the United States regarding the Ukraine issue have陷入 a deadlock, with no progress on the Russia-Ukraine agreement.

According to comprehensive reports from NBC News, CNN, and other media outlets, US Vice President Vance stated in Washington at the Munich Leaders' Meeting on May 7 that the concessions proposed by Russia to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are too harsh. However, he believes there is a feasible path to peace and hopes both sides can seek common ground and engage in "direct negotiations" as soon as possible.

Vance said that US President Trump has been pushing for Russia to clarify the conditions to end the conflict. Regarding the first peace proposal put forward by Russia, the US side believed that Russia's demands were "too high." However, he emphasized, "This is how negotiations unfold; I am not pessimistic about this."

"I wouldn't say that Russia is uninterested in resolving this matter. But what I want to say is that currently, Russia has presented a series of specific demands and concessionary conditions to end the conflict. We believe their demands are excessive," Vance said.

The report pointed out that the core demands made by Russia include that Ukraine will never join NATO, prohibiting foreign peacekeeping forces from entering Ukraine, and related territorial issues.

He then added that as one of the parties involved in the conflict, Ukraine's needs are also very important. To successfully end the conflict, it is necessary to consider both Russia's demands and Ukraine's needs.

Vance said that the US will continue to engage in dialogue with both countries. However, Trump had previously clearly stated that if there is no clear progress in the negotiations over the Ukraine issue in the short term, the US will no longer participate in the mediation.

"At present, we particularly hope that both Russia and Ukraine can reach a consensus on basic negotiation guidelines so as to begin direct dialogue," Vance said. The US is willing to participate in these dialogues, but more importantly, it is crucial for Russia and Ukraine to start direct negotiations. This is also what we aim to promote next.

On May 7, 2025, US Vice President Vance delivered a speech at the Munich Leaders' Meeting held in Washington. Video screenshot.

Regarding the importance of direct dialogue between both sides, Vance said that both Russia and Ukraine have put forward their respective solutions. The gap in their positions is obvious, and the next goal of the US is to bridge the divide. "We believe that without at least some direct negotiations, mediation cannot be achieved. This is precisely where our focus lies," he said.

"Frankly speaking, what disappoints us about both sides is that they hate each other so much—if you talk to either side for an hour, the first 30 minutes are just them complaining about historical grievances from four, five, or even ten years ago," Vance said.

The vice president added that the US had proposed a 30-day temporary ceasefire, which Ukraine was willing to accept, while Russia considered it inconsistent with their strategic interests. Therefore, the US intends to move away from the obsession with the 30-day ceasefire and think more about long-term solutions.

Vance believes that the continuation of this conflict will harm the interests of all parties, which is detrimental to the US, Europe, Russia, and Ukraine alike. Only by maintaining calm and restraint can lasting peace be promoted.

Late that evening, Trump responded to Vance's remarks. He said that what Vance said might be correct.

"We are at a moment when some decisions need to be made," Trump said, expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of negotiations.

Trump once boasted that he would "end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within 24 hours" after taking office. According to CNN statistics, he mentioned this at least 53 times during his campaign. However, as the obstacles to negotiations increased, Trump and his administration officials have recently softened this statement, calling it an "exaggeration" and stating that it should not be taken literally.

In an interview aired on NBC on May 4, Trump also revealed that one party between Russia and Ukraine is closer to reaching an agreement than the other, but he refused to name which party had made progress.

Trump said that although he still holds hope for the prospects of peace talks, he also admitted that a "Russia-Ukraine peace agreement may not be possible."

Currently, during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Patriotic War victory, Russian President Putin has decided to implement a ceasefire from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11. During this period, all military actions will cease.

This article is an exclusive contribution by the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501984824467522087/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.