DACHAU, Germany — On Thursday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the memorial site of the Dachau concentration camp, accompanied by a Holocaust survivor who had suffered there. This poignant visit came amid pressing discussions regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, as Vance was slated to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday to address the escalating conflict with Russia.
As a light rain fell, Vance and his wife, Usha, engaged with dignitaries near the camp’s entrance. Following this, they attentively listened to insights from the camp’s director and museum staff, including 96-year-old Abba Naor, who has a personal history connected to Dachau. Vance expressed his feelings about the experience, stating, “I’ve read a lot about the Holocaust in books, but being here, and seeing it up close in person, really drives home what unspeakable evil was committed and why we should be committed to ensuring that it never happens again.”
The couple’s tour continued as they moved into a long, stark room housing a large map of concentration camps, which formerly served as Dachau’s administrative office. They then visited the intake area, where new arrivals were processed and saw displays showcasing personal items belonging to those imprisoned there, such as watches and identification cards. Vance even inquired of Naor, “That’s where you started?”
The visit from Vance, who is the latest in a line of vice presidents to honor the Dachau memorial, included laying a wreath inscribed with “We remember” and “United States of America.” The prominent sculpture known as the International Monument was initiated in 1968, created by Nandor Glid, who had been persecuted by the Nazis and had actively opposed their regime. During his remarks, Vance shared, “I really am moved by this site,” emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness and dedication to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.
As Vance is set for meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference, their discussions will center around the urgent need for negotiations to halt the tragic conflict impacting Europe today. Vance’s visit to Dachau allowed for significant reflection on the historical consequences of war and the failures to act decisively against threats like that of Nazi Germany.
Established in 1933, Dachau was one of the first concentration camps of the Nazi regime, where over 200,000 individuals were imprisoned and more than 40,000 lost their lives under dire conditions. The camp was liberated by U.S. forces on April 29, 1945. Vance, now on his inaugural international trip since taking office, recognized the solemnity of Dachau as he contemplated the nuances of modern warfare, particularly the ongoing confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.
In parallel to his observations at Dachau, recent developments saw former President Donald Trump advocating for immediate negotiations to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Following conversations with both Putin and Zelenskyy, Trump maintained that discussions should commence without delay to put an end to the hostilities. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership were unrealistic, advising a focus on a diplomatic solution that includes international cooperation.
On the horizon, Vice President Vance is expected to address the critical topics of European defense and cooperation among NATO allies during the Munich Security Conference. He has also voiced concerns regarding allied defense spending, reiterating the Trump administration’s commitment to a robust security partnership beneficial for both the U.S. and Europe.
Over the nearly three years of conflict, the international response has seen 50 nations, under the Ukraine Contact Group, allocate more than $126 billion in military aid to Ukraine, with the U.S. contributing over $66 billion. Trump has indicated his intention to bring a swift end to the conflict, promising resolution within six months, contrasting his earlier bold timelines post-election against Kamala Harris.
