(MENAFN) US Vice President J.D. Vance has reflected on his heated confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a February meeting in Washington, joking that it was “the most famous thing I’ve ever done.” Speaking on the Pod Force One podcast, Vance said the clash was triggered by what he perceived as Zelensky’s “rudeness” during discussions intended to finalize a US-Ukraine minerals agreement.

The Oval Office meeting quickly escalated into a public shouting match, with Vance labeling Zelensky “disrespectful” and ungrateful for US aid, while President Donald Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War III” and being unwilling to negotiate peace.

Vance emphasized that relations have since improved. “That was six months ago. We’ve turned over a new leaf,” he said, noting that Washington has made “significant progress” toward mediating a peace deal. He added, “We’re trying to have productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians.”

Despite US efforts, Kiev has rejected Moscow’s proposals for broader talks, insisting it will not compromise on what Russia calls the root causes of the conflict. Moscow has stated that a lasting settlement must include guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, along with demilitarization, denazification, and recognition of territorial realities. Meanwhile, Zelensky and his European backers continue to push for expanded Western military support while resisting direct diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington.

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