Vance on Tomahawks to Ukraine: Trump prioritizes US interests
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Vice President JD Vance says US will continue efforts to secure peace in the Ukraine conflict, even if negotiations take months or longer.
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JD Vance answers a question during Ohio's Senate Republican Primary debate on March 28, 2022 at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. (AP)
US Vice President JD Vance said Friday that the administration of President Donald Trump remains committed to achieving peace in the Ukraine war, regardless of how long the process may take.
Trump admin seeks resolution despite delays
"We're going to keep on walking down the pathway of peace, whether it takes us another few months, another few weeks, or, God forbid, longer than that, we're going to keep on working at it," Vance told the press pool.
The statement signals that the US administration will continue its diplomatic efforts toward resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict, emphasizing a long-term commitment to negotiations.
Touching on the supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, Vance revealed that Trump seeks to first ensure US interests, telling the press, Trump was "trying to ensure that America's security is taken care of first, and obviously that means that we need to have the critical weapon systems for our own military, for our own troops. So that that's what the President is focused on."
Trump: No more arms to Ukraine
Trump reiterated that Washington will not drain its arsenals to keep Kiev supplied indefinitely. "We can’t give all of our weapons to Ukraine. We just can’t do that. I have been very good to President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and to Ukraine but… I can’t jeopardize the US," he said. He added that Tomahawk cruise missiles must be retained for US defense and said he had discussed the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite the war, he pointed to "great potential for trade with Kiev" and said he hopes Moscow and Kiev "reach an understanding to end hostilities."
Those comments land as Washington and Moscow prepare a meeting in Budapest in the coming weeks, following a recent Trump-Putin call. The Kremlin has signaled openness to talks, while Zelensky has voiced skepticism about Russian intentions. The Tomahawk pause also gives Washington leverage over both sides as negotiating terms are scoped.
