**US Vice President JD Vance Clashes with Ukraine’s Zelensky Over Allegations of Siding with Russia**
In a sharp rebuke, US Vice President JD Vance has pushed back against criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling it “absurd” to accuse Washington of siding with Russia. The exchange came amid growing tensions between the two leaders over Ukraine’s war effort and US aid.
Speaking to Reuters, Vance said, “I think it’s sort of absurd for Zelensky to tell the American government, which is currently keeping his entire government and war effort together, that we are somehow on the side of the Russians.” This comment follows an interview with CBS News in which Zelensky condemned Vance for echoing Kremlin rhetoric and accused him of trying to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The rift between the two leaders has been brewing since February 28, when tensions spilled over into a public meeting at the White House. Zelensky challenged Vance to visit Ukraine and witness firsthand the destruction caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, Vance declined, suggesting that Ukrainian authorities orchestrated “propaganda tours” to shape Western narratives about the war.
**Vance’s History of Opposing US Aid**
This is not the first time Vance has come under fire for his stance on Ukraine. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, he has faced criticism for downplaying the war’s significance and repeating Kremlin-aligned talking points. In fact, shortly after the invasion began, Vance infamously said he “doesn’t care about Ukraine,” a statement he later defended as prioritizing US interests.
**US Officials Express Concerns**
Some US officials have expressed concerns over the direction of the Trump administration’s diplomacy on Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg have reportedly urged President Donald Trump to resist territorial concessions to Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks across Ukrainian regions, killing at least six civilians and injuring 17 others, including a child. The U.S. still maintains an edge in military aid, but the gap is shrinking as Washington has not allocated a new aid package since January 9.
**Global Response**
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Moscow for consultations ahead of nuclear program negotiations. Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized Hungary for lacking “moral clarity” on Russia’s war against Ukraine, while the European Union’s top diplomat warned that participation in Moscow’s May 9 parades or celebrations would be taken lightly.
**A Call to Action**
As the world watches the unfolding crisis, one thing is clear: support for Ukraine must remain strong. The Independent has raised $24,500 for Veteran Hub through the sale of “I Stand With Ukraine” T-shirts. We encourage our readers and community to continue showing their solidarity with Ukraine in any way they can.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
