Vance Says Putin Lacks Exit Strategy in Ukraine War

Vance suggested Putin may not know how to bring the Ukraine war to a close, as Trump pressed the Russian leader to agree to a cease-fire in a high-stakes call.

Vice President JD Vance talks to reporters on board of the Air Force Two at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome on May 19, 2025. Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Vice President JD Vance said on May 19 that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to lack a clear strategy to end the war in Ukraine.

His remarks came as President Donald Trump prepared for a critical phone call with the Kremlin leader aimed at brokering a cease-fire in the long-running conflict.