JD Vance, the U.S. Vice-President, faced backlash for comments dismissing the deployment of 20,000 British and French troops to Ukraine by referring to these countries as “random countries” lacking recent war experience. His statement, asserting that economic incentives from Washington to protect Ukraine would be more effective than deploying troops, triggered outrage, particularly in the UK, where veterans and parliamentarians criticized his remarks as deeply disrespectful. They highlighted the sacrifice of British troops who fought and died alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance later tried to clarify, claiming he did not disparage the UK or France, yet his comments were viewed as insulting and disregarding their historical solidarity and military contributions. British officials and military personnel called for Vance to apologize for his perceived erasure of their shared history and sacrifice.
