Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now sharply criticizing US Vice President JD Vance after Vance praised the decision to halt American arms deliveries to Ukraine. Zelensky argues that Vance’s position benefits Moscow – while Vance himself describes the policy shift as a necessary change that requires Europe to take greater responsibility.
In an interview with Newsmax, cited by Kyiv Independent, Zelensky commented on statements where JD Vance said he was particularly proud that the Trump administration had ended direct US arms deliveries to Kyiv. Zelensky countered, insisting that anyone who does not help Ukraine in practice strengthens Russia’s position.
“If JD Vance is proud about not helping us, it means he is helping the Russians, and I’m not sure that strengthens the United States,” Zelensky said.
Vance: Europe Must Bear the Cost
JD Vance has long been one of the most vocal skeptics of continued American funding for the war in Ukraine. At an appearance during the conservative event Turning Point USA in Georgia in April, he highlighted the aid halt as one of the administration’s most important achievements.
“It’s one of the things I’m most proud we’ve done in this administration. We have told Europe that if you want to buy weapons, you can do that, but the US is no longer buying weapons and sending them to Ukraine,” said Vance.
He simultaneously argued that American taxpayers should not bear primary responsibility for Europe’s security, and that EU countries have both the economic resources and geographical reasons to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense themselves.
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Vance has previously said that the US must prioritize its own national interests, border security, and the competition with China over continued multi-billion aid to Ukraine.
Deep Division in Washington
These statements reflect the growing division in Washington over the Ukraine issue. Under President Donald Trump, the US has largely slowed new military aid packages while pressuring European countries to fill the gap.
European governments have, during the year, shouldered a greater share of the costs, including funding air defense systems and ammunition. But filling the gap left by US support is straining resources.
At the same time, Zelensky repeatedly uses tough rhetoric against critics in the West, which opponents describe as him “playing the Russia card” against politicians who want to reduce support.
The White House Defends the Vice President
The White House rejects any notion of division within the administration and emphasizes that Vance plays an important role in foreign policy. The position remains unchanged,
A spokesperson states that the president’s security team is working in coordination to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, describing the vice president as a trusted voice on international issues.