In Zelensky public clash, Vance throws fuel to advance 'America First'

In lighting the match that set off an extraordinary public clash with Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky, US Vice President JD Vance has again shown his steely determination in pushing his "America First" worldview.

- Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON:

The Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and Zelensky was bound to be awkward due to the two presidents' tense history and opposing views, but started off on comparatively civil terms, as they discussed plans for a minerals deal.

More than half an hour after media started recording, Vance spoke up and urged a turn to diplomacy over war — moving Zelensky to explain how Russia has violated earlier deals.

Vance, speaking with sangfroid from the facing couch, then told Zelensky that he was being "disrespectful" and that he should have come to the White House to thank Trump.