VoteVets statement on Trump/Vance ‘Peace Deal’ Threats to Ukraine

Washington, DC –  Today, in response to President Trump and Vice President Vance’s ‘peace deal’ threats, VoteVets Senior Advisor LTC (Ret.) Alexander Vindman released the following statement:

“At what point do we hear anything but Russian talking points from the Trump administration? J.D. Vance’s ultimatum to Ukraine to accept Trump’s, really Putin’s, ‘peace deal’ or the US will walk away is another gift to Russia. It’s a thinly veiled pretext to cut support for Ukraine, something Trump has done before.

“What is Vance’s deal? He claims Russia and Ukraine will have to give up land in a deal. But Russia would not lose one square inch of its territory in this so-called deal.

“The message to the world’s tyrants is clear. They can invade, terrorize, murder, and be rewarded rather than punished for their efforts.

“This matters for Ukraine, for Europe, the United States, and for the world. Giving Putin a win and grounds to move further west puts European security and stability, our most important economic and security partner, in danger. It sends the message to China, Russia, and other aggressive regimes that war pays. It puts American interests and American troops in danger.

“We’ve seen how Trump’s ill-advised trade war has rocked the economy. That is nothing compared to the effect that more war will cause. The only answer for our security, for our alliances, and for our prosperity is to help Ukraine end the war by supporting our allies and punishing our enemies. That is peace through strength.”