Vance cites Russia's 'concessions,' Lavrov accuses West and Zelenskyy

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that Russia has made "significant concessions" in talks aimed at ending its war with Ukraine on Sunday. 

In an interview with NBC News, Vance rejected the notion that Moscow was stringing U.S. President Donald Trump along, saying that the Russians have been "flexible" on some of their demands.

Vance said the Russians have actually been willing to be flexible on some of their core demands. They've talked about what would be necessary to end the war.

"Of course, they haven't been completely there yet, or the war would be over. But we're engaging in this diplomatic process in good faith," he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western nations and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of obstructing peace talks on Ukraine in an interview released on Sunday.

Speaking to Russia-1 TV, Lavrov said Western countries "are just looking for an excuse to prevent negotiations." He added that Zelenskyy is "acting stubborn" and demanding an immediate meeting with Russian President Putin.

Lavrov said European countries were trying to undermine the progress made by Russian President Putin and Trump.

Canada provides Ukraine aid

Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new military assistance for Ukraine in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, according to a news release issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

Two billion Canadian dollars (approximately $1.45 billion) in funding was committed at the June G7 Summit held in Canada's Kananaskis.

About 835 million Canadian dollars (approximately $603 million) for critical Ukrainian equipment, 680 million Canadian dollars (approximately $491 million) for the purchase of military equipment sourced from the U.S. to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance, and 220 million Canadian dollars (approximately $159 million) for drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, the release said.