"He's Changing His Tune" US VP Vance Swings Back to Europe's Side, Takes a Skeptical View of Russia and Ukraine
Vice-President Vance Rekindles Affection Toward Europe, Ukraine, and Russia Wanes
By Lukas Wessling, Revised
A New Tide in the Transatlantic Relationship In a frank, candid exchange, US Vice President JD Vance discussed Europe, Russia, and Ukraine with veteran diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger. Contrasting his controversial Munich Security Conference address in February, Vance showed a softer stance towards the EU while expressing frustration with the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
A Shift in Stance European news outlets dubbed his Munich speech a "firestorm" and a "unprecedented reckoning." Vance had publicly criticized Europe for stifling freedom of speech, eroding democracy, and even supporting far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Vice Chancellor Habeck stated that the event signified the "dissolution of the Western value community."
Now, a few months later, Vance meets Ischinger, the founder of the Munich Security Conference, in Washington. To everyone's surprise, this time, Vance praises Europe, acknowledging the cultural interdependence between the US and the EU. He does, however, emphasize that this doesn't mean they can't voice their concerns: the big questions of trade, defense, and the Ukraine war remain on the table.
Political Changes in the Trump Administration Politico reports that the apparent warmer feelings towards Europe come amidst internal cracks and dissent within the Trump Administration, with Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz expressing growing skepticism towards Russia[1].
Past and Present: Ohio and Bosnia Ischinger shares a story about his time in the US state of Ohio in 1995, where he negotiated the Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War. At the time, a ten-year-old Vance watched the events unfold. Now, as Vice President, Vance expressed his admiration for Ischinger's work, even with a hint of his famous son-in-law smile[1].
Taking a Step Back from Russia and Ukraine Acknowledging frustration, Vance admits that finding a resolution to the Ukraine war is difficult due to the animosity between the two nations. Vance also suggests that both sides are making unrealistic demands during negotiations, insisting that "cool heads" must prevail to overcome the hate and find a mutually beneficial economic solution for both Russia and Ukraine.
Expectations for EU Defense Spending Ischinger questions Vance on his expectations for a trade deal with the EU. Vance emphasizes fairness, referencing discriminatory tariffs affecting American software companies and urging Europe to support itself militarily by buying US weapons[1]. Ischinger then steers the conversation towards wrapping up, citing Vance's busy schedule.[1][2][3]
Looking Forward to the NATO Summit Ischinger raises the upcoming NATO summit, asking Vance about the signal he wants to see from Europe. Vance proposes a modest 5% increase in defense spending as a reasonable goal, but with a focus on the broader objective of balancing industrial strength and living standards, citing Germany's deindustrialization as a concern[1].
A Hopeful Perspective on Germany Vance recognizes Germany as a "beacon of hope" after suspending the debt brake for arms spending[1]. Ischinger then extends an invitation for Vance to attend the Munich Security Conference again next year, to which Vance laughs heartily, grateful for the invitation despite his February controversy.
Trade Agenda
- Fair Trade: Vance insists on partnerships based on fairness and shared national interests, aiming to protect American manufacturing jobs and the broader economy[1][3].
- India Partnership: He supports stronger bilateral trade relations with India, aiming to counterbalance China’s regional influence[1][3].
- Criticizing EU Tariffs: Vance has publicly criticized the European Union for high tariffs and trade restrictions, warning that American firms must be treated fairly[2].
Defense and Military Spending
- Open Defense Markets: As part of his trade agenda with Europe, Vance specifically calls for the EU to open up its defense markets to US manufacturers[2].
- Strategic Alliances: He sees trade and defense as interconnected, aiming to build relationships that support American industries while strengthening alliances against geopolitical rivals like China[1][3].
Ukraine War and Russia
- Frustration with Negotiations: Vance has expressed frustration with Moscow’s positions and demands during the negotiations for the Ukraine war[2].
- Tough Stance: While critical of Russia, there is no indication Vance supports further escalation or direct US military involvement beyond current commitments. His focus remains on supporting American economic and strategic interests while pressuring rivals to reach fair settlements[2].
[1] Politico - "Rubio and Waltz look more skeptically at Russia"[2] CNN - "US Vice President Vance's shifting stance on Europe, Russia, and Ukraine"[3] Financial Times - "JD Vance's trade agenda: five things to know"
- US Vice President JD Vance, in a meeting with veteran diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, praised Europe for their cultural interdependence with the US, while expressing concerns about trade, defense, and the Ukraine war.
- Despite his controversial February speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized Europe for stifling freedom of speech and eroding democracy, Vance now acknowledges the importance of voicing shared concerns with the EU.
- Vance's softer stance and warmer feelings towards Europe come amidst internal cracks and dissent within the Trump Administration, with Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz expressing growing skepticism towards Russia.
- In discussions about Defense spending, Vance urged Europe to support itself militarily by buying US weapons, and questioned the EU on his expectations for a trade deal, emphasizing fairness and the need to counterbalance China’s regional influence.
