U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington possesses military and economic leverage that it can use to push Russia toward peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. He made the remarks at the Munich Security Conference, drawing widespread attention. This strategic approach highlights the U.S.'s commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict.
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03-20, 2025However, Vance's comments at the conference also angered some German politicians, who accused him of equating European democracies with autocratic regimes, deeming the comparison inappropriate. Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's meeting with Vance did not result in a critical minerals agreement, which is crucial for Kyiv in securing the support of U.S. President Trump. The absence of this agreement could potentially complicate future relations.
Reportedly, after receiving the initial draft agreement, Kyiv submitted a revised draft to the U.S., aimed at opening its rich critical mineral resources to American investment. President Zelenskyy stated that his meeting with Vance was "good" and indicated that both teams would continue to collaborate on the document. He also added that Kyiv is "ready to move forward as soon as possible towards a truly guaranteed peace." This collaborative effort demonstrates a mutual interest in reaching a beneficial agreement.
At a closed-door meeting in Munich, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators was present. Zelenskyy expressed concerns at the meeting regarding the proposal presented by the U.S. on Wednesday. A source close to Zelenskyy revealed that he "felt he was being unreasonably asked to sign something he didn’t have a chance to read," adding, "I don’t think he likes being given a take it or leave it." Subsequently, the Ukrainian president discussed his own proposed mineral agreement with the U.S. When asked after the meeting whether Zelenskyy thought the U.S. proposal was one-sided, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz responded: "I think that’s fair to say." These interactions reveal the complexities of the negotiation process.
Previously, the Trump administration had been widely criticized by European leaders for its attitude toward Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday that it is not "realistic" for Ukraine to expect to restore old borders, and that U.S. troops would not be deployed as peacekeepers under any agreement. But Vance has now stepped in and implied that the U.S. could take a tougher stance, while wielding the threat of "military tools" and further sanctions against Russia. He stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on the eve of the Munich Security Conference: "There are economic levers, and there are certainly military levers." This shift in tone suggests a potential change in U.S. strategy.
In response to Vance's mention of military leverage, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow wants to learn more. "This is a new element regarding the [U.S.] position. We have not heard such wording before. They have not been expressed before," Peskov said. "Therefore, of course, in the very contacts that we are constantly talking about, of course, we would like to receive some additional clarifications." The Kremlin's reaction indicates a need for further dialogue and understanding.
On another note, Vance met with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD), in Munich. Vance reportedly voiced support for the far-right German party as a qualified political partner while speaking at the Munich Security Conference. The anti-immigrant AfD, currently polling at around 20% ahead of the February 23 election, is a pariah among Germany's other major parties due to the country's taboo against far-right politics, stemming from its Nazi history. This meeting has sparked controversy and raised questions about U.S. engagement with European political factions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Vance's comments as highly unusual in an interview with German radio station Deutschlandfunk. He added that Germany has a firewall against far-right parties, and for good reason, citing Germany's history under National Socialism. The German Defense Minister also dismissed Vance's criticism of German and European political forces as unacceptable. "This democracy has just been questioned by the American Vice President, not only the German one, but the entire European one," Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said at the Munich Security Conference. "If I understand correctly, he compares the situation in Europe with the situation that prevails in some autocratic regimes… This is unacceptable," he added. The German response highlights the sensitivity surrounding far-right politics in the country.
Trump stated that Europe is losing its right to freedom of speech and is struggling with immigration issues as he doubled down on his criticism of traditional allies. "I listened to his [JD Vance] speech. He talked about freedom of speech. I think that’s true," Trump told reporters. "In Europe, they’re losing their beautiful freedom of speech rights. I see it." Trump's remarks underscore his consistent criticism of European policies and values.
Zelenskyy stated that negotiations with Russia are impossible without a unified position from Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. He said he spoke with the Polish Prime Minister about his conversation with Trump. "Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength, with strong and reliable security guarantees, and NATO membership would be the most cost-effective for partners," he said. "Another key guarantee is serious investment in the Ukrainian defense industry." "I also warned world leaders not to believe Putin's claims that he is ready to end the war." Zelenskyy's emphasis on unity and strength highlights his strategic approach to potential negotiations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Downing Street remains committed to Ukraine's path to "an irreversible path to NATO membership." "The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO membership, as agreed by allies at the Summit in Washington last year," according to a readout of a call with Zelenskyy released by Starmer’s office. Starmer reiterated his position that "there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine," adding that the country needs strong security guarantees, further assistance, and a sovereign future. This reaffirmation of support reinforces the UK's commitment to Ukraine's long-term security.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that only Zelenskyy can represent his country in negotiations with Russia to end the war. "A peace of surrender is bad news for everyone," he said. Macron indicated that Trump had created a "window of opportunity" for a negotiated solution and that everyone must play their part. "It is the responsibility of the international community, and in particular the Europeans, to discuss security guarantees, and more broadly, the security framework for the entire region," he said. "That is where we have a role to play." Macron's statement underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving a lasting peace.
