During an interview with News’ Sean Hannity on Monday, Vice President J.D. Vance shared his thoughts on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following their tense meeting in the Oval Office last week. The meeting turned heated when Vance and President Donald Trump criticized Zelensky.
Vance admitted that his remarks played a role in the argument but claimed that Zelensky provoked him first.
He also commented on Zelensky’s recent trip to Europe, where European leaders warmly welcomed him and pledged their continued support for Ukraine despite the difficult Oval Office encounter.
Speaking on the situation, Vance suggested that European leaders are misleading Ukraine by promising endless support when their own citizens are growing tired of funding the war.
“Our European friends are not helping Ukraine by encouraging them to keep fighting,” Vance said. “Their own people don’t want to keep paying for this war forever. The American people feel the same way. The best thing for everyone—Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., and Europe—is to find a way to end this war.”
Vance also criticized Zelensky’s efforts to rally support from European allies. He questioned how Ukraine would continue the war without resources.
“Zelensky went to Europe, and leaders there praised him as a hero, telling him to keep fighting. But with what? Who’s going to keep paying for it? Who’s providing the weapons and whose soldiers are going to keep dying?” Vance asked. “President Trump is being realistic—this war cannot go on forever.”
Vance’s comments came on the same day the Trump administration announced a temporary pause on military aid to Ukraine.
A White House official explained that Trump’s priority is securing a peace deal to end the war, which has now lasted over three years. The official emphasized that Zelensky must show commitment to peace before the U.S. continues sending aid.
“We are pausing and reviewing aid to make sure it helps lead to a resolution,” the official told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Not everyone agrees with this decision. Representative Brendan Boyle, a Democrat from Pennsylvania and co-chair of the Congressional EU Caucus, strongly criticized the move.
“This pause is reckless and threatens our national security,” Boyle said. “Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, agreed to support Ukraine. Trump, who has praised Putin and weakened our alliances, is now playing politics with critical military aid.”
A White House official reassured reporters that the pause is only temporary.
“This is not a permanent end to aid. It’s a pause,” the official explained. “Aid will resume once President Trump believes Zelensky is seriously committed to peace.”
