U.S. Vice President Warns Russia, Urges European Defense Spending, Amidst Ukraine Peace Concerns
Munich, Germany – In the wake of a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has issued a stern warning to Moscow and urged Europe to enhance its military capabilities as the world grapples with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Vance emphasized that Washington could impose sanctions and even consider military action against Russia if it fails to agree to a "good peace deal" with Ukraine.
"There are economic tools of leverage, there are of course military tools of leverage the U.S. could use against Putin," Vance told the Wall Street Journal. "We do care about Ukraine having sovereign independence."
Moreover, Vance stressed the importance of Ukraine’s long-term independence and expressed support for the country’s aspirations to join NATO and the European Union. "We must ensure that NATO does a little bit more burden-sharing in Europe, so the United States can focus on some of our challenges in East Asia," he said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed Vance’s sentiments, calling for Europe to "step up" and invest more in its own defense. "We have to grow up in that sense and spend much more," Rutte said.
However, amid the calls for a lasting peace, concerns linger over the potential for a "sham peace" that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed reservations about any settlement that is negotiated "over the heads of Ukrainians and Europeans."
Meanwhile, Ukraine has submitted a draft minerals deal to the U.S. for review. The deal, if finalized, could potentially boost Ukraine’s economic recovery and reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies.
Trump’s Phone Call and its Aftermath
Trump’s phone call with Putin has sparked mixed reactions among U.S. allies and within the Ukrainian government. While Trump hailed the call as "highly productive," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned against trusting Putin’s claims of readiness to end the war.
Some U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have suggested that Ukraine may need to compromise on its war objectives, such as a return to its pre-2014 borders. However, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged continued support for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was initially scheduled for the morning but was later delayed to 5 p.m. No Russian officials were invited to the Munich conference, but a meeting between U.S. and Russian officials outside the venue is still possible.
Skepticism and Support for Ukraine
As a senator, Vance expressed skepticism about U.S. support for Ukraine. However, he has since moderated his views, recognizing the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and its role in safeguarding European security.
The Munich Security Conference is a high-profile gathering of political leaders, military officials, and diplomats from around the world. This year’s conference is taking place amidst heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine and the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs or further escalations.
