• Vice President JD Vance warns the US will "walk away" from negotiations if a peace deal isn't reached.
• New US diplomatic efforts coincide with fresh Russian air strikes in Ukraine.
• President Trump is reportedly ready to recognize Crimea as Russian territory as part of a deal.

During a visit to India, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that Moscow and Kyiv must agree to a peace deal, or else "the United States will walk away from this process." Vance highlighted that an explicit proposal had been issued to both sides, and it was their responsibility to respond positively or risk losing US involvement entirely, according to CBS News, India Times, and Le Monde.

His comments were made as envoys from the US, Ukraine, and Europe met for talks in London amid escalating violence, including a recent Russian drone strike that killed nine in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. The urgency is underscored as both Vance and Trump reiterate the need for a ceasefire, with Vance stating that it is time to "stop the killing" and delineate territorial lines, as reported by India Times, Dawn, and The Hill.

The proposed deal suggests both sides might need to concede territory, a move that has gained traction from Trump, who is willing to recognize annexed Crimea as Russian land, as cited by TRT Global and Dawn. Meanwhile, the diplomatic venue in London has reportedly downgraded due to unresolved issues among the involved nations, indicating significant challenges in the discussions indicated by sources including CBS News and Le Monde.

Despite the storm of military action, including recent airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties across Ukraine, officials maintain that the pursuit of peace is ongoing. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted the need for continued dialogue even as talks faced setbacks, reflecting comments from various sources such as Dawn and The Hill.

With the backdrop of increased violence and complex political dynamics, both Vance and Trump have signaled a slim window for negotiations before a potential withdrawal of US involvement becomes a reality. The insistence on an unconditional ceasefire and the recognition of territorial concessions represent critical aspects of any forthcoming agreement, as posited by TRT Global and Le Monde.