February 28, 2025, Washington, DC. © Getty Images / Andrew Harnik / Staff
US Vice President J.D. Vance has joked about his tense Oval Office encounter with Zelenskiy, describing the exchange as “the most famous thing I’ve ever done.” In an interview with Pod Force One host Miranda Devine on Wednesday, Vance explained that he was provoked by what he termed “rudeness” from the Ukrainian leader.
The confrontation occurred during Zelenskiy’s February visit to Washington, when a planned signing of a minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine devolved into a public dispute in front of journalists. The discussion involving Zelenskiy, US President Donald Trump, and Vance quickly turned contentious, with Trump accusing Zelenskiy of refusing to engage in peace talks and “gambling with World War III.” Vance labeled Zelenskiy “disrespectful” and ungrateful for the aid provided.
Vance noted that tensions have since eased. “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 facilitating a peace deal, Vance stated. “We’re trying to have productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians,” he explained.
Trump has called for a negotiated solution between the parties. However, Kiev has rejected Moscow’s proposals for broader talks, insisting it will not compromise on what Russia describes as the conflict’s core issues.
Moscow has insisted that a lasting resolution must include guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, along with the country’s demilitarization, denazification, and acknowledgment of current territorial conditions.
Zelenskiy and his European allies continue to demand increased Western military support while refusing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington.
Earlier this month, Trump proposed a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, which Moscow indicated willingness to attend. He later canceled the plan, citing what he called Moscow’s “lack of” commitment to peace and urging an immediate halt to hostilities along the front lines.