Vice President JD Vance Urges NATO Allies to Increase Defense Spending Amid Ukraine Crisis
MUNICH (AP) — Vice President JD Vance reinforced the United States’ call for increased NATO defense spending during the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing that European allies must share more of the financial burden. Meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Vance highlighted the need for a stronger European commitment to security, allowing the U.S. to focus on East Asia. Currently, 23 out of NATO’s 32 members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target.
Discussions on Ukraine’s future dominated the conference, particularly following President Donald Trump’s call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, where they discussed ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Vance was set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later in the day, with hopes of clarifying Trump’s stance on a potential settlement.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated as a Russian drone attack struck the protective shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Although no radiation increase was detected, the incident heightened security concerns. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was scheduled to join Vance’s meeting with Zelenskyy, faced travel delays due to a mechanical issue with his aircraft.
Trump’s position on Ukraine remains ambiguous. He has suggested that peace negotiations could lead to Ukraine ceding some of its Russian-occupied territory, a stance that has unsettled European leaders. He also indicated that Ukraine’s NATO membership was unlikely, citing Russian opposition. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, stating that Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders were unrealistic to restore.
Despite concerns about reduced U.S. aid, Vance warned that Moscow could face economic and military consequences if it refused a peace deal guaranteeing Ukraine’s independence. While Trump’s administration has prioritized ending the war swiftly, Vance emphasized that all options, including sanctions and military measures, remain on the table.
European leaders expressed growing unease about shifting U.S. policy. French Deputy Foreign Minister Benjamin Haddad warned that weakening Ukraine could have global repercussions, urging Europe to reduce its reliance on the U.S. for security. NATO members now face critical decisions about their future defense strategy in response to evolving geopolitical realities.
