Vice President JD Vance in Germany for Talks on Russia-Ukraine War and International Security
Dachau, Germany, February 13, 2025: U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial on Thursday, a powerful symbol of World War II. His visit comes the day before his important discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they will address the three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war.
Vance, accompanied by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is scheduled to meet Zelenskyy on Friday at the Munich Security Conference. They will discuss President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring about a resolution to one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts through negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Dachau, established in 1933 when Hitler came to power, was one of the first concentration camps. Over 200,000 people were imprisoned there, and more than 40,000 died in horrific conditions. U.S. soldiers liberated the camp on April 29, 1945.
Vance, a Republican, is on a five-day trip to France and Germany, marking his first overseas journey as Vice President. His wife, Usha Vance, also visited the Dachau memorial with him.
This moment is significant for Vance, as it allows him to reflect on the impact of war, particularly as Trump accelerates his efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Additionally, Vance is preparing to deliver a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, where issues of European security and NATO member defense spending will be key topics of discussion.
Both Vance and Trump have criticized European countries for their insufficient defense spending and emphasized the United States' stance on security cooperation.
