The meeting in Germany for Kyiv is an important moment in efforts to maintain support from Washington after President Donald Trump unexpectedly began to strengthen relations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
US Deputy Secretary of State Mike Pence confirmed yesterday, on Friday, that the United States is ready to provide sanctions against Russia for the end of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing support for his country for "the sovereignty of an independent Ukraine." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he is ready to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after an agreement on a common plan.
Mike Pence noted at the opening of the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the threat of a decline in freedom of speech in Europe and that the administration of Donald Trump "will fight for its protection." He added: "In Washington, there is a new sheriff in town" and clarified that its main threat is not Russia or China, but rather internal threats, including the loss of certain values in Europe.
US Deputy Secretary of State Mike Pence reaffirmed Washington's desire to ensure "lasting" peace in Ukraine during his first meeting in Munich with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who warned that his country’s chances of resisting Russian aggression will be "weak" without American support. "A lasting peace," Zelensky said in an interview with NBC News, which will be broadcast in full on Sunday, "we will have weak chances to resist without the support of the United States. I believe this is extremely important."
