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The US vice-president, JD Vance, has caused a transatlantic controversy with his derogatory comments about European forces that may be deployed in Ukraine.
He suggested that US economic involvement in Ukraine would be a better security measure than deploying troops from countries that “haven’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.”
UK opposition politicians criticized his statement, calling it disrespectful to British forces.
The UK and France are the only countries that have so far declared that they are open to sending troops as part of a peace deal.
Vance later clarified that he did not mention the UK or France specifically and acknowledged their military contributions, however Britain and France are the only countries to have made a commitment to send troop to Ukraine and Vance did not clarify which European country he was referring to.
Despite this, his remarks sparked backlash. British politicians, including Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge, pointed out the UK’s military role in Afghanistan. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called Vance “wrong,” while Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Helen Maguire accused him of erasing British sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty said Vance’s comments were offensive and called for an apology. Downing Street avoided commenting on whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer found the remarks insulting but reaffirmed admiration for British troops.
The controversy comes as the US has paused military aid to Ukraine following a disagreement between President Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Vance defended US economic involvement, arguing it offers better security than foreign troops.
Starmer has said US security support, like air cover, is essential to deter Russia, but Trump has not committed to this. Instead, he believes American workers in Ukraine’s mineral sector could provide security.
Source: BBC.
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