The Oval Office clash saw the US vice president accuse the Ukrainian leader of disrespect
US Vice President J.D. Vance has joked about his heated Oval Office confrontation with Vladimir Zelensky, calling the exchange “the most famous thing I’ve ever done.” Speaking with Pod Force One host Miranda Devine on Wednesday, Vance explained that he had been triggered by what he perceived as “rudeness” on the part of the Ukrainian leader.
The clash unfolded during Zelensky’s visit to Washington in February, when what was planned to be the signing of a minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine spiraled into a shouting match in front of the media. The talks involving Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vance quickly turned hostile, with Trump accusing Zelensky of unwillingness to negotiate peace and of “gambling with World War III.” Vance, for his part, labeled the Ukrainian leader “disrespectful” and ungrateful for the aid provided.
Vance said that relations have since improved. “That was six months ago. We’ve turned over a new leaf,” he said.
“If you go back to that moment, I was getting frustrated because I perceived some rudeness… It’s probably the most famous thing I’ve ever done, or maybe ever will do,” Vance added, laughing.
Washington has since made “significant progress” in mediating a peace deal, Vance said. “We’re trying to have productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians,” he explained.
Trump has urged the two sides to pursue a negotiated solution. However, Kiev has rejected Moscow’s proposals for broader talks, insisting it will not compromise on what Russia calls the root causes of the conflict.
Moscow has stated that a lasting settlement must include guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, along with the country’s demilitarization, denazification, and recognition of the territorial realities on the ground.
Zelensky and his European backers continue to push for expanded Western military support while resisting diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington.
Earlier this month, Trump proposed holding a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, and Moscow signaled its willingness to participate. He later canceled the plan, citing what he called Moscow’s “lack of” commitment to the peace process and urging an immediate halt to hostilities along the front lines.
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