Munich: Vice President JD Vance suggested on Thursday that the United States could use both economic and military pressure to ensure Russia engages in genuine peace negotiations with Ukraine.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Vance did not rule out the possibility of deploying U.S. troops if a future peace deal fails to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“There are economic measures we can take, as well as military options,” Vance stated, adding that all possibilities remain “on the table” should Russia refuse to negotiate in good faith.
His remarks contrast with recent statements from President Donald Trump, who hinted that Ukraine might eventually come under Russian control. Trump had also announced that peace talks would commence following his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Vance’s position also diverges from that of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who recently emphasized that European forces—not American troops—would be responsible for enforcing any future peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. Hegseth's comments signaled a shift in U.S. priorities away from European security.
Vance made his statements ahead of a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference. Upon arriving in Germany, he reaffirmed the importance of NATO but stressed the need for Europe to take on a larger share of the defense burden, allowing the U.S. to focus more on challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The recent shift in U.S. rhetoric has unsettled European allies, particularly after Trump’s announcement raised concerns that Washington might reach an agreement with Moscow that favors Russia without full Ukrainian involvement. Many European leaders were surprised that Trump spoke with Putin before consulting Zelensky, prompting urgent discussions about ensuring Ukraine plays a central role in any peace process.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to The Financial Times, described Trump's approach as a “shock” for Europe and called for stronger European defenses. While Macron acknowledged that European nations must take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s security, he insisted that any resolution must be negotiated by Kyiv itself and warned against a settlement that amounts to Ukraine’s capitulation.
