‘Rolling over for Putin’: WA Rep. Rick Larsen rips Trump Admin’s handling of Ukraine-Russia peace deal

Top diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Ukraine had agreed to meet Wednesday to advance a Ukraine–Russia peace deal, only for the session to be canceled at the last minute. Vice President JD Vance said negotiations are reaching a moment of truth, and that the U.S. could walk away from future negotiations.

“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the U.S. to walk away from this process,” Vance told reporters during a visit to Agra, India.

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) released a statement Wednesday regarding the U.S.’ continued involvement with peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

“In word and in action, the U.S. must continue to stand up for the young democracy in Ukraine. I don’t care what President Trump says—Putin started this war and the crisis is not over until Ukraine’s borders are restored and Ukrainians have the freedom to choose their own leaders and future,” Larsen said. “I will continue to advocate for aid to Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s war of aggression, and continue to welcome and support Ukrainian families in Northwest Washington and across the U.S.”

U.S. considers Ukraine to cede territory to Russia for peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear earlier this week that ceding any territory to Russia is a “nonstarter” for any potential peace agreement. This follows reports from the Trump Administration mulling over the idea that Russia could keep occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a potential peace agreement.

An official told The Associated Press there’s also acknowledgment by some allies that Russia is firmly entrenched wholly or partially in five regions of Ukraine—Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

“The Trump administration’s offer to recognize Crimea as Russian territory is just the latest example of Trump rolling over for Putin,” Larsen continued. “Rewarding Russia for invading a neighbor by providing formal recognition and sanctions relief invites further aggression.”

Zelenskyy said he and Ukraine are ready for any format of negotiations that might bring a ceasefire and open the door to full peace negotiations.

“I commend President Zelenskyy for standing up against Russian aggression and continuing to fight for a free Ukraine,” Larsen said. “American interests are clear—standing with our allies and partners, not with Russia.”

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