Photo: Alamy
Vice President JD Vance told American service members on Wednesday that the strength and reputation of the U.S. military give the United States an advantage in high-stakes diplomacy, including an upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Friday in Alaska for a peace summit aimed at securing a ceasefire in Ukraine and potentially ending the years-long war.
Speaking to troops at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in England, Vance credited the military’s capabilities with bolstering the administration’s position going into the talks.
“You guys are the reason why we can go into a negotiation with strength,” Vance said. “You guys are the reason why we have leverage in these conversations with world leaders. Because they know that if we cut a deal, it is backed up by the finest fighting force anywhere in the world. And that is what makes your job so important.
“The fact that people are impressed by you, the fact that so many people are frankly afraid of you is why we’re able to do what we do as an administration,” he added.
Vance received a warm welcome and a standing ovation from troops during his visit.
“The Pathfinders of the 501st Combat Support Wing were honoured to host Vice President JD Vance and his family here at RAF Fairford,” said Colonel Michael Jewell, Commander of 501st Combat Support Wing.
Vance has also been meeting with European leaders ahead of the Alaska summit. RAF Fairford houses the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, key to American air operations in Europe, according to the Air Force.
The vice president also addressed his visit to Europe in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
“What we said to Europeans is simply, first of all, this is in your neck of the woods, this is in your back door, you guys have got to step up and take a bigger role in this thing, and if you care so much about this conflict you should be willing to play a more direct and a more substantial way in funding this war yourself,” Vance said.
