Vance: Ukraine a Partner "in Some Ways," Should Stop Hitting Russian Energy

US Vice President JD Vance said Washington will keep working with Kyiv on certain issues while urging Ukraine to stop attacking Russian diesel production facilities, which he said raise energy costs for Americans. He spoke in an interview with 2WAY TONIGHT, as reported by European Pravda.

Asked directly whether Ukraine is an ally of the United States, Vance said that "in a sense, they are certainly partners."

But I think we have, you know, from time to time divergences of interest. For example, do I think they should bomb Russian diesel facilities, which raises the cost of energy for Americans? No. But, of course, we cooperate with them on some matters. We will continue to cooperate with them on some matters. But I think they should stop bombing Russian energy.

Partner versus ally

Pressed on whether "partner" is a less close term than "ally," Vance said the United States has "no formal alliance with Ukraine."

They are not in NATO. I don't think they should join NATO. I think it's a country very worthy of respect, a beautiful country with a lot of amazing people. We will work together on some issues, but we will also have opposing positions on some others.

Background

Last week, against the backdrop of a diesel deal between Russia and the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was losing a strong partner. He also said easing pressure on Russia would not help stop the war and instead signals to Vladimir Putin that his actions have support. He was commenting on President Donald Trump's decision not to impose new sanctions on Russia under the Graham bill. More in our Politics section.