Vance says Russia concessions in Ukraine talks raise guarded optimism

Vice President J.D. Vance said Sunday that Russia has made "significant concessions" in talks to end its war with Ukraine and expressed guarded optimism that a negotiated settlement could be within reach, while also addressing reports of an early morning FBI raid on the home and office of former national security adviser John Bolton. Vance made the remarks in a pre‑taped interview that aired on NBC's Meet the Press.

Vance told host Kristen Welker that Russian President Vladimir Putin has for the first time in three and a half years shown flexibility on core demands, including an acknowledgment that Ukraine will retain some form of territorial integrity after the war and a recognition that Moscow will not be able to install a puppet government in Kyiv. He said the administration is pursuing "energetic diplomacy" led by President Donald Trump, will continue to press both sides to find middle ground, and will consider sanctions or other economic leverage on a case by case basis. He reiterated that U.S. forces will not deploy boots on the ground in Ukraine.

Vance cautioned that progress is fitful, saying negotiations often move in "hills and valleys" and that any settlement will...