US Vice President JD Vance said in an interview that Ukraine would not exist if not for the US and recommended thanking Washington instead of insulting President Donald Trump.
“His [Volodymyr Zelensky’s] country wouldn't exist without the generosity of the [US]. So, say thank you, and if you disagree with the President [Trump], pick up the phone and call him, or call one of our great diplomats. Don't go on a media tour around Europe, badmouthing the President of the United States. It's insulting, … And by the way, it's stupid,” Vance said on Thursday.
Vance also recommended that Zelensky get better consultants and understand that “badmouthing” Trump in public is not the way to get him to change his mind.
Several hours later in the day, Trump criticized Zelensky for his unwillingness to hold elections, called him a "dictator" and also suggested that the Ukrainian leader wants to keep the "gravy train" going amid the grinding conflict with Russia.