Vance denies disrespecting UK, France over Ukraine troop comments

U.S. Vice President JD Vance faced backlash for comments made during a Fox News interview, where he dismissed the effectiveness of a proposed European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, suggesting that '20,000 troops from some random country' would not deter Russia. His remarks drew criticism from British and French politicians, who argued that he disrespected their military contributions alongside U.S. forces in past conflicts. Vance later clarified that he did not specifically mention the UK or France, asserting that both nations had fought bravely with the U.S. over the years. He emphasized his concerns about the military capabilities of other countries potentially contributing to a peacekeeping effort. The controversy coincides with ongoing discussions around Ukraine's security and the U.S.'s role in it, particularly as military aid has been paused amidst political tensions. Vance's comments are part of a broader pattern of his aggressive stance on European relations and foreign policy under the Trump administration.