What Did JD Vance Say to Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office? Analyzing His Claims | World News

The meeting was intended to launch a day of cooperative discussions, but the sit-down between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy led to a swift reshuffling of White House agendas.

The two leaders gathered in the Oval Office to iron out a minerals agreement set for signing later and to negotiate a ceasefire deal with Russia.

The discussion began in a cordial tone, but approximately 35 minutes in, it unexpectedly derailed. The shift in dynamics was largely influenced by the remarks made by JD Vance, who was seated next to the US president.

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A staunch critic of American backing for Ukraine, the vice president scolded Mr Zelenskyy for airing grievances publicly, claiming a host of issues regarding the Ukrainian military, official visits to Kyiv, and Mr Zelenskyy’s political ties.

We now delve into the VP’s remarks and the surrounding context.

Ukraine is ‘forcing conscripts to the frontlines’

Tensions escalated when Mr Vance labeled the Ukrainian president as “disrespectful,” a claim echoed by Mr Trump during the heated exchange.

Mr Vance further remarked: “At this point, you are compelling conscripts to the front lines due to manpower shortages. You ought to be expressing gratitude to the president for seeking to resolve this conflict.”

His assertion that Ukraine is dependent on conscription is indeed accurate. With few exceptions, Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 must remain in the country, and all who reach 25 are conscripted unless they have volunteered or have valid exemptions.

Conscription is common in wartime. Many nations implemented it during World Wars One and Two, while during the Vietnam War, the US resorted to draft lotteries.

Russia does not utilize conscription to specifically recruit forces for the Ukraine conflict; however, all Russian males aged between 18 and 30 are required to serve a year in the military—though some have been deployed to regions like Kursk amid the ongoing conflict.

‘Propaganda tour’

In response to claims about conscription, Mr Zelenskyy inquired of the VP: “Have you ever visited Ukraine to discern our issues?”

Mr Vance’s answer was clearly no.

Disregarding the suggestion of a visit, Mr Vance retorted: “I’ve observed and absorbed the narratives; I understand that the visits you facilitate come across as propaganda tours, Mr President.”

Since Russia’s assault on Ukraine commenced in February 2022, numerous global leaders have traveled to the nation, including Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer, as well as former British Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.

Members of the global media, including representatives from Sky News, have also reported directly from the frontlines.

It remains uncertain why Mr Vance deems these visits to be “propaganda tours,” but it’s a description frequently heard from our Moscow correspondent, Ivor Bennett, who notes it’s a term echoed in Russian state media consistently.

‘Zelenskyy hasn’t said thank you’

Another point of contention for Mr Vance was whether Mr Zelenskyy expressed sufficient gratitude for the assistance from the US.

“Have you said ‘thank you’ even once throughout this meeting?” he pressed. “Show some appreciation for the United States of America and the president who is striving to save your country.”

Mr Zelenskyy maintained that he had done so “many times, even today,” and a brief review of the past two years highlights his consistent expressions of thanks.

He thanked the US and President Biden on X on January 21, 2022, July 1, 2022, August 19, 2022, November 20 the following year, March 2024, and as recently as January 10.

He also conveyed his gratitude in person when he met Mr Biden in the Oval Office on December 21, 2022, and in speeches delivered in Washington DC on December 11, 2023, and July 10, 2024.

Mr Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude to Mr Trump since his electoral victory in November last year. On December 7, he praised the then president-elect as “resolute,” stating: “I thank him.”

Following a “meaningful conversation” with Mr Trump on February 12, he expressed: “I am grateful to President Trump for his interest in our potential collaboration.”

This is merely a brief overview.

Read more:
Trump and Zelenskyy’s body language explained
Analysis: The row is a triumph for Russia
Starmer in crisis talks with Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy ‘campaigned’ for the Democrats

During the dispute over gratitude, Mr Vance accused Mr Zelenskyy: “You campaigned for the opposition in Pennsylvania in October.”

The Ukrainian president firmly stated “no” in response.

While Mr Zelenskyy did visit Pennsylvania with the state’s Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, last September, it was not for campaign efforts.

Under heavy security, he toured an ammunition factory to commend workers producing essential arms for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

He later posted on X: “In locations like this, one can genuinely sense that the democratic realm can triumph.

“Thanks to individuals like these—in Ukraine, America, and all our partner nations—who labor relentlessly to safeguard lives.”

During the same trip, he met with Mr Trump in New York.