Will the U.S. Sanction Moscow? Vance Hints at Potential Leverage

U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggests sanctions and military action against Russia if President Putin does not secure a peace deal ensuring Ukraine's independence. Vance's comments follow discussions between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskiy on ending the conflict. Ukrainians are concerned about potential compromises in upcoming negotiations.

In a bold statement reported by the Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned that the United States could deploy sanctions and possibly military action against Moscow if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to agree on a peace agreement that grants Kyiv long-term independence.

This assertion came on the heels of discussions held by U.S. President Donald Trump with Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to explore means to resolve the nearly three-year-long conflict. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders unrealistic, Trump assured that Ukraine would be an active participant in any peace dialogues.

Despite apprehensions among Ukrainians about potential concessions, Vance emphasized that a deal might soon materialize, surprising many. He assured, "Everything is on the table," indicating the administration's commitment to secure a favorable outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)