Vice President JD Vance discussed his contentious February exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the latest “Pod Force One” podcast episode. He noted that the relationship between Washington, D.C., and Kyiv has improved since the Oval Office confrontation. The remarks were made on October 29, 2025, although Vance shared minimal details about the incident that had attracted international attention earlier that year.
“That was six [eight] months ago,” Vance told the Post’s columnist, Miranda Devine. “We have turned over a new leaf.”
Vance stated that the objective is to maintain constructive relationships with both Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict, noting that both he and the president have a strong working relationship with all parties involved.
While Vance did not elaborate on the specifics of the February incident, administration officials described the exchange as “tense” and “undiplomatic.” At the time, sources reported that Vance had questioned Ukraine’s use of American military aid and challenged Zelensky’s requests for additional support, leading to what one observer described as “the most uncomfortable moment in the Oval Office this year.”
Vance acknowledged that the February 28 meeting with Zelensky was likely the most well-known moment of his career, and potentially the most significant he would ever have.
Zelensky visited the White House in Washington, D.C., for discussions with President Trump focused on a potential minerals agreement. The conversation began amicably, but tensions arose after Vance suggested to a reporter that Ukraine and Russia should seek diplomatic efforts.
Speaking in front of television cameras, the Ukrainian president challenged the notion by questioning whether Vladimir Putin would genuinely engage in diplomacy.
Following that moment, the meeting devolved into a heated exchange in full view of the global press. At one point, Vance criticized Zelensky for not expressing gratitude to the United States for its past support.
The apparent thaw in relations comes as the Trump administration has quietly shifted its approach to the Ukraine conflict. Vance acknowledged on the podcast that his initial skepticism about continued Ukraine funding—a stance he held during his Senate career—has been moderated by classified intelligence briefings and direct talks with European allies. “Sometimes you learn things in this job that change your perspective,” Vance said, while emphasizing the administration’s commitment to seeking a diplomatic resolution.
According to diplomatic sources, Vance has participated in several video conferences with Ukrainian officials since the February confrontation, working alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio to establish what one official called “a more productive working relationship.” The vice president’s shift on Ukraine policy marks a notable change from his previous America-first stance and has received praise from some Republican senators who previously criticized his hardline position.
