MUNICH - U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the Munich Security Conference amidst concerns over the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Trump administration's foreign policy. The meeting occurred on Friday, following a phone call between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the conference, Vance addressed European officials, focusing on free speech and illegal migration, cautioning that elected officials risk losing support if they don't alter their course. He stated, "If you're running in fear of your own voters there's nothing America can do for you." Vance's remarks touched on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising concerns about the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy.
Vance also met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, reiterating the call for NATO members to increase defense spending to 2% of their GDP. Rutte acknowledged the need for Europe to step up its contributions.
Hours before the meeting, a Russian drone struck the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Kyiv region, prompting Zelenskyy to label it a "greeting from Putin." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Ukraine's allegations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's arrival was delayed due to a mechanical issue with his plane.
Trump's stance on the Ukraine war has caused uncertainty among Europeans, particularly regarding the future of security assistance to Ukraine. Trump has suggested a deal that could involve Ukraine ceding territory to Russia. He stated, "The Ukraine war has to end. Young people are being killed at levels that nobody's seen since World War II. And it's a ridiculous war."
Vance mentioned potential sanctions and military action if Putin doesn't agree to a peace deal guaranteeing Ukraine's independence, but his team later downplayed the statement. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would not accept agreements made without its involvement. French Deputy Foreign Minister Benjamin Haddad described Europe as being at a turning point and urged it to reduce its reliance on the United States for security.