
Vance uses speech before security conference to deride Europe for squelching free speech
MUNICH (AP) — Vice President JD Vance used his speech before the Munich Security Conference on Friday to deride Europe for squelching free speech, saying freedom is in danger.
The vice president also hammered home the U.S. demand that the NATO alliance step up defense spending, speaking ahead of a security meeting in Europe at a time of intense concern and uncertainty over the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
The future of Ukraine is the top item on the agenda following a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week, when they pledged to work together to end the 3-year-old Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Vance is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later Friday for talks that many observers, particularly in Europe, hope will shed at least some light on Trump’s ideas for a negotiated settlement to the war.