ZELENSKY AND VANCE REUNITE IN ROME AFTER OVAL OFFICE CLASH

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 19TH MAY 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

Months after their heated Oval Office exchange, US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met again on Sunday in Rome. This marked their first face-to-face since the February 28 debate at the White House, where tensions rose over differing views on the war in Ukraine.

In Rome, both leaders appeared cordial, sharing smiles in photos posted online. “Our countries share the goal of ending unnecessary bloodshed in Ukraine,” Vance wrote on X, adding they discussed ongoing ceasefire talks.

Zelensky, previously criticized for being ungrateful for US support, shared a photo with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thanking them. He mentioned recent negotiations in Istanbul, noting Russia’s delegation lacked decision-making authority.

The Oval Office clash had centered on Vance’s push for diplomacy. US President Donald Trump had also confronted Zelensky, insisting that without US aid, Ukraine would have fallen to Russia.