US Vice President Jay D. Vance stated on Friday that the United States is prepared to exert pressure on Russia to conclude the ongoing war in Ukraine, ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Vance aimed to reassure European countries concerned about being excluded from discussions aimed at ending the nearly three-year conflict, asserting that European nations must definitely be included in negotiations.

He added that Europe should take on a greater burden in defending itself.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Vance remarked, "The president will not approach this topic with his eyes closed...

He will say - everything is on the table, let’s reach an agreement." Vance indicated that Washington is capable of exerting "military pressure" on Russia while reaffirming its support for Ukraine's "sovereign independence".

He stressed the need for Europe to "intensify" its defense efforts while the United States focuses on regions exposed to significant threats.

In the context of his upcoming meetings in Munich, Zelensky expressed readiness for direct talks with Russia, contingent upon Kyiv reaching a common position with the United States and Europe regarding an end to the conflict.

He stated, "We are ready for any discussions with Americans and our allies.

If they provide us with specific responses to certain requests and a mutual understanding regarding Putin, then...

we will be ready to talk with the Russians."

Additionally, Andrej Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, discussed with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, the coordination of joint efforts aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace, as reported by Yermak.

However, US messages appear mixed, as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reiterated that NATO partners in Europe will need to contribute more to their own defense to ensure peace in Ukraine moving forward.

Hegseth, speaking in Warsaw, said, "Our message to our European allies is very clear.

It is time to invest; you cannot assume that American presence will last forever."

The Munich Security Conference has been dominated by concerns that Washington and Moscow might be working towards a flawed peace agreement for Ukraine, which could require Kyiv to cede territory to Russia while also being denied NATO membership prospects.

Washington has also urged its European NATO partners to concentrate on their own defense and increase defense spending to five percent of their GDP. Anticipations grew that Vice President Vance might announce a reduction of US troops on the continent.

Christoph Heusgen, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, indicated to German radio on Friday, "I believe that the US Vice President will announce today that a large portion of US forces will be withdrawn from Europe."

In response, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius cautioned that Europe cannot replace US forces in Europe "overnight," indicating that a "roadmap" should be in place for any withdrawal.