JD Vance attack on Europe overshadows Ukraine talks at security conference

U.S. vice president hits out at 'threat from within,' draws rebuke from German minister

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U.S. Vice President JD Vance gives a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 14. © Reuters

MUNICH (Reuters) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders on Friday of censoring free speech and failing to control immigration, drawing a sharp rebuke from Germany's defense minister and overshadowing discussions on the war in Ukraine.

The prospect of peace talks had been expected to dominate the annual Munich Security Conference after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week but Vance barely mentioned Russia or Ukraine in his speech to the gathering.

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