During a Fox News interview, US Vice President JD Vance urged Russia to “wake up and accept reality” amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reinforcing the US’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. Vance’s remarks echo comments made by former President Donald Trump, who expressed his belief that Ukraine could achieve victory and reclaim all its territory, contingent on continued support. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly. The conflict, initiated by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has taken a heavy toll. The war has led to a devastating loss of life, with estimates indicating over 250,000 Russian and 60,000 to 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed. Civilian casualties are also significant, with the UN reporting over 14,100 Ukrainian civilian deaths. Vance expressed concern over the rising death toll, stating that President Putin has been unwilling to meet with Trump and Zelensky to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
