US Vice President JD Vance stated that Russia needs to “wake up and accept reality” regarding its ongoing war against Ukraine. Vance, speaking on Fox News, emphasized the United States’ continued pursuit of peace. He highlighted the necessity for Russia to recognize the current situation. These comments follow President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that Ukraine is in a position to win the war, suggesting that Ukraine could reclaim all its territory with sustained support. Trump has also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The conflict, initiated by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Estimates suggest over 250,000 Russian soldiers and between 60,000 and 100,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed. Furthermore, the United Nations reported over 14,100 Ukrainian civilian deaths as of September 10. Vance pointed out that despite the high death toll, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been unwilling to meet with Trump and Zelensky to discuss peace.
