Munich, Germany – US Vice President JD Vance launched a full frontal attack on European hideouts from “core values” on Friday, while also providing little insight into Donald Trump’s plans for peace negotiations in Ukraine did.
“It’s not Russia, not China, nor other outside actors that I worry most about Europe,” Vance said in a widely anticipated speech at a security conference in Munich.
“What I’m worried about is the threat from within. The retreat of Europe from some of the most fundamental values, the values shared with the United States.”
The speech had no content on external security threats to Europe and gave little detail on the dramatic events that have been incited by the US over the past two days.
President Donald Trump’s revelation on Wednesday surprised Europeans with a revelation that he and Vladimir Putin would “quickly” enter peace talks over the war in Ukraine. Both the EU and Ukraine fear that they might stand by in future deals, and fear any agreement will be too favorable for Russia.
However, to the shock of many in the audience, Vance largely avoided all mentions of Ukraine.
“The Trump administration is very interested in European security and believes it can reach a reasonable settlement between Russia and Ukraine,” Vance managed to say.
Vance also accused the free speech of major European technologies, which stemmed from immigration policies that “wakened” a string of famous attacks in Germany, Sweden and the UK.
“I’m worried that freedom of speech is retreating across Britain and across Europe,” he said.
Vance also hinted that remarks made last month by former committee member Thierry Breton, former sparring partner of Vance’s colleague Elon Musk, showed an anti-democratic streak in Europe. Masu. Breton’s comments were linked to the suspension of Romania’s presidential election amid allegedly Russian interference.
“He warned me about it if We don’t plan on what could happen in Germany.Vance added that such a statement was “shocking American ears.” The German federal election will take place next Sunday.
Ukrainian guessing game
Before heading to Munich, Vance said that if Russia does not agree to a satisfactory peace agreement with Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal Washington has “an economic and military tool of leverage.”
A meeting between Vance-led US delegation and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to take place late Friday afternoon in Munich’s margin.
It remains unclear whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to take part in the negotiations, would arrive in Munich after the plane was forced to return to Washington due to technical issues.
Europeans are trying to convince Trump that they are playing their role in NATO, meeting a significant share of their defensive spending.
(OM)