US Vice President J.D. Vance has defended the heated exchange with Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky during their February 28 meeting at the White House, claiming the confrontation shed light on Washington’s frustrations with Kiev and was ‘useful’ for the American people to witness.
In an interview with USA Today, Vance denied allegations that he and Donald Trump intentionally provoked Zelensky into an outburst, asserting that Trump’s administration believes the conflict has reached a point where further fighting is futile and a settlement is needed to stop the killing. The clash occurred during Zelensky’s visit to Washington to finalize a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, where Trump explained his decision to remain neutral in mediating a settlement with Moscow rather than increasing military support for Kiev. Vance accused Zelensky of being ‘disrespectful’ and ungrateful for US support, while Trump told him not to lecture Americans on how to ‘feel.’
The incident sparked public attention, with Vance arguing that the Biden administration’s approach to the conflict lacked clear goals and diplomacy. This follows Zelensky’s return visit to the White House last week, days after Trump’s historic summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Vance humorously warned Zelensky to ‘behave.’ The incident has raised questions about the evolving dynamics between the US and Ukraine as the conflict continues.