The Oval Office encounter featured the US vice president accusing the Ukrainian leader of discourtesy
US Vice President J.D. Vance recently joked about his tense Oval Office confrontation with Vladimir Zelensky, characterizing the exchange as “the most famous thing I’ve ever done.” In an interview with Pod Force One host Miranda Devine on Wednesday, Vance clarified that he felt provoked by what he perceived as “rudeness” from the Ukrainian leader.
The incident unfolded during Zelensky’s visit to Washington in February, when an event planned for the signing of a minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine escalated into a public shouting match. Discussions involving Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vance quickly became contentious, with Trump accusing Zelensky of an 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 stated that relations have since improved. “That was six months ago. We’ve turned over a new leaf,” he remarked.
“Reflecting on that moment, I was becoming frustrated because I sensed some rudeness… It’s probably the most famous thing I’ve ever done, or perhaps ever will do,” Vance added, with a laugh.
Washington has since made “significant progress” in mediating a peace deal, Vance noted. “We are endeavoring to maintain productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians,” he explained.
Trump has encouraged both parties to pursue a negotiated solution. However, Kiev has dismissed Moscow’s proposals for broader talks, asserting its unwillingness to compromise on what Russia identifies as the fundamental origins of the conflict.
Moscow has stipulated that any lasting settlement must encompass assurances that Ukraine will never become a NATO member, alongside the country’s demilitarization, denazification, and an acknowledgment of existing territorial facts.
Zelensky and his European allies persist in advocating for increased Western military assistance, while simultaneously resisting diplomatic interactions between Moscow and Washington.
Earlier this month, Trump put forward the idea of a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, a proposal to which Moscow indicated its readiness. He subsequently withdrew the plan, attributing the cancellation to what he described as Moscow’s “lack of” dedication to the peace process, and called for an immediate cessation of fighting along the front lines.