Outrage is erupting online as JD Vance was seen smiling and laughing during a conversation about Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. The shocking moment unfolded on Hannity, just as news broke that the Trump administration would be temporarily halting all military aid to Ukraine.
Vance, appearing alongside Sean Hannity, took a swipe at President Biden’s handling of the conflict. “The Biden administration called Putin every name in the book,” Hannity remarked. Vance responded with a smirk, adding, “And he still invaded anyway,” while laughing.
The reaction from social media was swift and furious, with critics slamming Vance for his apparent indifference to the devastating war.
“Tens of thousands of people are dead, entire cities reduced to rubble, and millions displaced. And JD Vance is LAUGHING about it on national TV like it’s some kind of joke,” wrote Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council.
Vance’s remarks came as he also reflected on a heated exchange involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, former President Donald Trump, and himself inside the Oval Office. As European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine over the weekend, Vance cast doubt on their long-term commitment, warning that the financial burden of the war remains a major issue.
“I think our European friends are doing a disservice to the Ukrainians,” Vance claimed. “Their own populations are saying, ‘We’re not going to fund this war indefinitely.’ The American people are saying the same thing. The only real solution that benefits the U.S., Russia, Ukraine, and Europe is bringing this war to an end.”
Vance went on to criticize Zelenskyy’s trip to Europe, suggesting that while European leaders may voice their support, the real question remains: who will continue footing the bill for the ongoing conflict?
“Zelenskyy goes to Europe, and they tell him, ‘You’re a hero, keep fighting!’ But fight with what? With whose money, whose weapons, and whose lives?” Vance argued. “President Trump is actually taking a more realistic approach and saying, ‘This war cannot go on forever.’”
The controversy surrounding Vance’s comments coincided with Trump’s decision to temporarily freeze military aid to Ukraine. A White House official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, confirmed that the administration was “pausing and reviewing” its support to ensure it aligns with efforts to broker a peace deal.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.), co-chair of the Congressional EU Caucus, blasted the decision, calling it “reckless” and a direct threat to national security.
“This aid was approved by Congress on a bipartisan basis—both Republicans and Democrats agreed that standing with Ukraine means standing for democracy and against Putin’s aggression,” Boyle stated. “But Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin, is now playing political games with crucial military assistance.”
Meanwhile, a White House official attempted to downplay concerns, telling Fox News and Bloomberg that the aid freeze is temporary. “This is not a permanent termination of assistance—it’s a pause,” the official clarified. “If Zelenskyy demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace, the aid will resume.”
