MUNICH — European leaders were prepared to respond to a significant shift in Washington’s stance on various crucial topics, including democracy and Ukraine’s future, during the Munich Security Conference. This comes as the Trump administration begins to disturb long-standing trans-Atlantic agreements established since the conclusion of World War II.
On the second day of the conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were scheduled to address the assembly. This follows remarks from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who expressed discontent toward European allies regarding their commitment to democratic values and raised doubts about the U.S. backing for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
In a recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the two leaders might soon meet to discuss a potential peace agreement. Trump later conveyed to Zelenskyy that he would also be included in these discussions. The conflict originally ignited when Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago.
On Friday, Zelenskyy had already articulated that Ukraine seeks security guarantees prior to engaging in negotiations with Russia. Just before his meeting with Vance, Zelenskyy emphasized that he would only be open to meeting Putin in person when a collective agreement, involving Trump, was in place.
Following a 40-minute dialogue with Zelenskyy, Vance stated that the Trump administration is eager for the conflict to conclude. Before their meeting, Vance delivered a speech to European officials, underscoring the importance of free speech and concerns about illegal migration throughout the continent. He warned that failing to adapt could jeopardize public backing for their governments.
“The primary threat I am concerned about regarding Europe is not Russia, nor China, or any other foreign entity,” Vance remarked, eliciting limited enthusiasm from the audience. “My concern lies within— the diminishing of Europe’s foundational principles that are shared with the United States.”
Amid the gathering, Vance met with Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, just nine days prior to a critical German election. Mainstream German political factions have steadfastly declined to collaborate with this party, maintaining a historical commitment to distancing themselves from the extreme right, a legacy stemming from the dark chapters of Nazism.
Vance later returned to Washington.
The Munich Security Conference also features a lineup of speakers including NATO chief Mark Rutte and foreign ministers from a variety of nations such as Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and representatives from Syria’s newly formed government.
