In its first major interview with the European average since taking the position of vice president, J.D. Vance clearly outlined Washington's fresh doctrine towards Europe. Talking to Sohrab Ahmadi from British UnHerd was honest, confrontational, but besides full of specifics.
Vance referred straight to Volodymyr Zelenski, who accused the Trump administration of “justifying Putin’s actions”.
"This is absurd," Vance stated. "I powerfully condemn the 2022 invasion, but if we want to end this conflict, we request to realize the strategical objectives of both parties. This does not mean that we support them, but we request to know what each side wants to achieve."
The Vice president besides stressed that despite these differences, the US is simply a key support for Ukraine.
"It is our government that keeps their country and their war effort alive. Saying that we are on the side of Russia is simply a completely false narrative."
Europe as a “safe vassal” – and why it has to end
According to Vance, Europe utilized an American protective umbrella for decades without real contributions.
"For my full life, European safety has been subsidised by the US. 20 years ago, European armies could inactive defend their borders. Today, most of them are incapable to do so. Exceptions? large Britain, France, Poland – and this is what shows how low the remainder of the continent has fallen.”
Vance recalled Charles de Gaulle, pointing out that Europe's independency in defence matters is besides in the interests of the States:
"It is not good for Europe to be an eternal vassal of U.S. security. It is neither in the interests of Europe nor of America."
Democracy in crisis – by ignoring voters
One of Vance's strongest diagnosis was criticism of the political elite of Europe, which, in his opinion, has been ignoring the voice of their citizens for years.
"People in Europe cry out for a common sense migration policy, and the elites offer them the opposite. This is simply a serious problem for democracy. If citizens' voices are ignored, the task of Western democracy may fall apart."
He stressed that he was not saying this from a moralist position, but as a “friend of Europe”.
"American and European leaders have failed their citizens for the last half century. We gotta fix this."
A deal with Britain – closer than ever
The trade thread with London besides sounded strong. Vance assures us that the fresh administration focuses on close cooperation with Britain.
"We don't just like the British – we have common cultural foundations. It's not just pragmatism, it's partnership. president Trump has a peculiar sentiment for Britain. Trade deal? We are closer than ever.”
Vance wasn't in that interview in words. Its message is clear: the US will no longer finance European safety or tolerate policies ignoring citizens' will. He wants partnership, not custody. And Europe must take greater work if it wants to last as a political force.
As he said:
"We are not on anyone's side – we are on America's side. But America needs a Europe that can stand on its own."
