Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy during an August 20, 2025 appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” when he offered glowing praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s communication style, describing the authoritarian leader as surprisingly soft-spoken and deliberate in their phone conversations.
Speaking with Laura Ingraham, Vance revealed he has spoken with Putin multiple times by phone, despite never meeting the Russian leader in person. The vice president indicated that Putin’s demeanor differs significantly from American media portrayals, characterizing him as more measured and careful than expected.
Vance told the Fox News host that Putin is “soft spoken in a certain way” and described him as very deliberate and careful in his approach. The vice president further suggested that Putin fundamentally looks out for Russia’s interests as he sees them, drawing a parallel to President Donald Trump’s approach to American interests.
The comments came in the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Vance referenced the recent Alaska summit between Trump and Putin, which failed to produce a ceasefire agreement. The vice president expressed optimism about progress being made through what he characterized as Trump’s direct diplomatic approach.
During the interview, Vance described a scene from the East Wing of the White House on August 19, where Trump abruptly decided to call Putin immediately following meetings with European leaders. The vice president recounted how European officials suggested proper vetting and team preparation for the call, but Trump insisted on speaking directly with the Russian leader without delay.
Vance praised Trump’s diplomatic style, suggesting that cutting through traditional protocols has contributed to recent progress in negotiations. He indicated that Russians and Ukrainians are now discussing specific details about what would be necessary to stop the fighting and killing.
The vice president outlined the fundamental issues at stake in potential negotiations. He explained that Ukraine seeks security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions, while Russia wants control over certain territories, most of which they currently occupy but some of which they do not.
Regarding future peacekeeping arrangements, Vance emphasized that Europe should bear primary responsibility for Ukraine’s security. He told Ingraham that while the United States should be helpful if necessary to stop the war, Europe should play the leading role in any security guarantees. The vice president indicated that America would not make commitments until determining what is actually necessary to end the conflict.
Vance’s favorable characterization of Putin quickly gained attention from Russian state media. Russia Today, the banned state-controlled television network, shared clips of the vice president’s interview on social media platforms, highlighting his positive assessment of Putin’s communication style.
The interview also touched on Vance’s previous interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to reporting, Vance had previously berated Zelenskyy during a February 2025 Oval Office meeting, criticizing the Ukrainian leader for insufficient gratitude regarding American aid.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded cautiously to ongoing negotiation efforts, warning that security discussions without Russian involvement would lead nowhere. Lavrov emphasized that Russia cannot accept security arrangements that exclude its input, essentially demanding veto power over any agreements.
Meanwhile, Russian military operations continued unabated during diplomatic discussions. On August 21, Russia launched a massive attack involving more than 600 drones and missiles, targeting locations across Ukraine from eastern regions to areas near the Hungarian border.
Defense officials indicated that American involvement in any future peacekeeping mission would be minimal, with European nations expected to provide the majority of resources and personnel. NATO diplomats expressed concern about the level of American commitment to potential security arrangements.
The vice president’s comments represent a significant diplomatic development as the Trump administration attempts to broker an end to the conflict that has lasted more than three years. However, substantial obstacles remain, including Russia’s territorial demands and Ukraine’s need for security guarantees against future aggression.
Critics questioned whether Vance’s praise of Putin undermines American negotiating positions, while supporters argue that direct engagement with the Russian leader represents necessary diplomatic pragmatism. The ongoing negotiations continue to face challenges as both sides maintain their fundamental positions on territorial control and security arrangements.