At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy stressed the need for “real security guarantees” before Ukraine would consider peace talks with Russia.

Vice President Vance urged European nations to take a stronger role in their defense, calling illegal migration Europe’s “most urgent” challenge. He also criticized European leaders for limiting free speech and ignoring voter concerns.

European officials reacted negatively to Vance’s remarks, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius calling them “not acceptable.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggested that the U.S. was trying to provoke Europe.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Putin to discuss peace talks, raising concerns in Ukraine and among European allies about Ukraine’s sovereignty. Vance also touched on his political future and recent domestic issues, including a plane crash in Washington, D.C.