Andrew Neil has hit back at JD Vance (Image: PA/GETTY)
accused JD Vance of being “beneath contempt” in a row over the US Vice-President’s “random country” jibe.
Mr Vance has sparked a backlash over criticism of a possible European peacekeeping force in .
In an interview he appeared to downplay the potential of “20,000 troops from some random country that has not fought a war in 30 or 40 years” in monitoring any ceasefire.
His comments were widely perceived to be directed towards the UK and France, who have been leading European efforts to secure a peace deal between and Kyiv.
In a post on X, veteran broadcaster Mr Neil said: “JD Vance dismissing Britain as ‘some random country’ which hasn’t ’fought a war for 30/40 years’ is beneath contempt.
“British forces fought alongside US troops in Iraq (twice) and Afghanistan. In recent years. Is he stupid? Or just ignorant?”
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JD Vance dismissing Britain as ‘some random country’ which hasn’t ’fought a war for 30/40 years’ is beneath contempt. British forces fought alongside US troops in Iraq (twice) and Afghanistan. In recent years. Is he stupid? Or just ignorant?
— Andrew Neil (@afneil)
Later on Tuesday, Mr Vance insisted it was “absurdly dishonest” to suggest he had been referring to either of the countries.
“I don’t even mention the UK or France in the clip, both of whom have fought bravely alongside the US over the last 20 years, and beyond,” he said.
During an interview on Fox News, Mr Vance said: “If you want real security guarantees, if you want to actually ensure that does not invade again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of .
“That is a way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 20 or 30 years.”
The US had been set to sign a minerals deal with Kyiv last week, but Ukrainian President left the White House empty-handed after a dramatic row in the Oval Office with Mr Vance and US President .
Some UK politicians and ex-personnel reacted furiously to the US Vice-President’s remarks.
Downing Street refused to be drawn on whether Sir had found the comments insulting or disrespectful but said he was “full of admiration for all British troops who have served, for instance in Iraq and Afghanistan”.