Vance Optimistic on US-UK Trade Deal, Clashes with Zelenskyy Over Ukraine Strategy

In an interview with UnHerd, Vice President JD Vance said that there is a high chance the United States will reach a “great deal” on trade with Britain because of Trump’s love for the country and the royal family.

The United States and Britain have a relatively balanced trade relationship, so the initial tariff announcement by Trump did not include the most severe treatment for Britain. Even so, British imports to the U.S. are now subject to a 10% tariff, while steel and cars in that country face a 25% rate.

The two countries’ officials have been in discussions for several weeks. Initially, the focus was on increasing cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. However, this could expand to food and other products.

Vance told UnHerd the U.S. government was working hard with Keir Starmer’s government.

He said, “The President loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He loves and admires the King. This is an important relationship. He’s an entrepreneur and has many important business connections in Britain.”

Vance cited a cultural affinity between the U.S. and Britain. He said: “I believe there’s a very good chance that we will come to an agreement that is in both countries’ best interests.”

Vance, whose combative approach towards Europe has been evident since he was appointed vice president in January, reaffirmed that he wants Europe to increase security expenditures and criticized the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once more.

Vance responded to Zelenskyy’s recent remarks that he had somehow justified Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He said he has condemned Russia since the year 2022, but he has since sought to understand both sides’ strategic objectives to find a resolution.

He said: “That does not mean that you morally support the Russian cause or that you support full-scale invasion. But you do need to understand their strategic redlines, just as you must try to understand the Ukrainians’ goals in the conflict.”

“It’s absurd that Zelenskyy would tell the government, who is keeping together his entire government and military effort, that we somehow are on the Russians’ side.”

He said this kind of rhetoric is “certainly unproductive.”