JD Vance Highlights US Leverage Over Russia in Ukraine Talks at Munich Conference

On February 14, 2025, at the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized that Washington possesses both economic and military leverage to secure a favorable peace agreement with Russia concerning Ukraine. In a prior interview with The Wall Street Journal, Vance highlighted the broad range of options available, including economic sanctions and military measures, to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, his spokesperson later clarified that these remarks were not intended as direct threats but underscored that all options remain available to President Trump during negotiations. Additionally, Vance urged European nations to increase their defense spending and criticized the European Unions regulations on hate speech and misinformation, suggesting they encroach upon free speech. His comments received criticism from German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who deemed them unacceptable and inappropriate.