Vice President JD Vance shared his viewpoint on the recent conflict at the White House between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vance mentioned that the disagreement began when his response to a journalist’s question upset the Ukrainian leader.
“I believe there was a sense of disrespect and entitlement. There was a lack of respect,” Vance stated in an interview on “Hannity,” his first since the incident.
During the meeting in the Oval Office, Vance highlighted the importance of engaging in diplomacy to resolve Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war when Zelenskyy inquired about further discussion.
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He discussed Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, failed peace agreements in the past, and a 2019 ceasefire violated by the Kremlin.Â
“What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about? What do you mean?” Zelenskyy asked with surprise.
“I’m referring to the diplomacy that will halt the destruction of your country,” Vance replied. “IÂ consider it disrespectful for you to bring this up in front of the American media in the Oval Office… You should be expressing gratitude to the president for trying to end this conflict.”
He then criticized the Ukrainian leader for not appreciating American assistance and questioned if Zelenskyy had even expressed gratitude during their meeting. Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude to the United States for its support multiple times on his X account and during a December 2022 address to Congress.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing with press on July 8, 2023 in Lviv, Ukraine. (Mykola Tys/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Vance informed Fox News host Sean Hannity that he tried to calm the situation by suggesting a private discussion.
“The president insisted on having the conversation publicly for the American people to witness,” the vice president said.
Trump and Zelenskyy had a tense exchange where the president accused the Ukrainian leader of “risking World War III.”
The agreement on rare earth minerals that the two leaders were supposed to sign fell through after Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House.
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Zelenskyy could return “when he is prepared for Peace.”Â
President Donald Trump waves from his vehicle as he arrives at the Trump International Golf Club, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
He further explained, “The president has a clear objective for his administration. He wants to stop the violence. It is crucial for President Zelenskyy and President Putin to come to the negotiating table. This is where the disagreement occurred.”
“I am not concerned about what President Zelenskyy says about me or anyone else. However, he demonstrated a reluctance to participate in the peace process endorsed by President Trump, which reflects the will of the American people and their leader,” Vance added.
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“This conflict cannot continue indefinitely. There are not enough Ukrainian lives, American resources, or ammunition to sustain this indefinitely. The only viable path to resolution is President Trump’s strategy. We urge both President Zelensky and President Putin to embrace this approach.”
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A senior Trump administration official informed Fox News that all U.S. military aid to Ukraine is temporarily suspended until the president is assured of the Ukrainians’ commitment to sincere peace negotiations.
