MUNICH — European leaders are gearing up to respond to a new and challenging stance from Washington regarding issues such as democracy and Ukraine’s future. This comes as the Trump administration disrupts longstanding trans-Atlantic agreements that have been in place since World War II.
On the second day of the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were scheduled to address the gathered audience. Their discussions followed comments made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who expressed discontent with European allies concerning democracy and raised concerns over the commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
In a recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump suggested that the two leaders would likely convene soon to discuss a peace agreement. Trump assured Zelenskyy that he would be included in these negotiations. The conflict escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
On the conference’s first day, President Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine demands security assurances before entering talks with Russia. In a statement made just prior to his meeting with Vance, Zelenskyy indicated that he would consider meeting Putin in person only if a comprehensive approach is developed in collaboration with Trump.
Following a 40-minute discussion with Zelenskyy, Vance reiterated the administration’s desire for a resolution to the conflict. Earlier, Vance had addressed European officials, emphasizing the importance of free speech and the issue of illegal migration. He cautioned that a failure to adapt could result in diminished public support within Europe.
“The main concern I have regarding Europe isn’t Russia or China, nor any other foreign threat,” Vance stated during a speech that received a lukewarm reaction. “What truly worries me is an internal threat — the decline of Europe’s commitment to its foundational values, which are also cherished by the United States.”
In a notable moment at the conference, Vance met with Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, just nine days ahead of Germany’s elections. Mainstream German political parties have long maintained a policy of avoiding collaboration with extreme right groups, a firm stance rooted in the country’s history with Nazism.
After concluding his engagements at the conference, Vance returned to Washington. Other notable speakers at the event included NATO Chief Mark Rutte and foreign ministers from several nations, such as Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and members of Syria’s newly established government.
