JD Vance says Ukraine should stop bombing Russian energy, calls Kyiv a “partner” rather than a U.S. ally

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Ukraine should stop striking Russian energy infrastructure and stopped short of describing Kyiv as a U.S. ally, as tensions between Washington and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deepen.

Asked in an interview with journalist Mark Halperin whether Ukraine was an American ally, Vance replied: “They’re certainly a partner in some ways.”

“Ukraine should stop bombing Russian energy,” Vance said. Washington has previously pressed Kyiv to limit attacks affecting energy infrastructure and oil shipments amid concerns about global energy prices.

On Iran, Vance defended President Donald Trump’s strategy, saying the conflict “could be over very quickly” if Trump allowed Iran to control the world oil supply, but argued Americans would not accept that outcome.

Vance also declined to follow Trump in endorsing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. “I endorse American candidates,” he said. “I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”

Turning to domestic politics, Vance defended scrutiny of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. “We’re not scrutinizing Abdul El-Sayed because of his religious faith or because of his ethnicity,” he said. “We are scrutinizing him because he says a lot of crazy stuff.”

Vance also addressed questions about money and influence surrounding the Trump family. He said political figures in Washington often try to enrich themselves and called that behavior “gross,” but said he had seen no evidence that Trump, Donald Trump Jr. or Eric Trump were selling access to the presidency.

“I think Trump is allowed to earn a living,” Vance said. “I don’t see any evidence he’s profiting off of his office.”

He said Donald Trump Jr. had made money in business but argued that the appropriate standard was whether presidential relatives were selling access to the president. “I see no evidence that’s happened,” he said.

Asked about a possible 2028 presidential campaign, Vance said he had not discussed an endorsement with Trump but believed the president would back him if he ran.

Vance also dismissed tensions with Republican Senator Ted Cruz, saying Cruz had made “some weird things” about him to donors but that he otherwise had no problem with the Texas senator.