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I just had a conversation with the President of the United States. We discussed our shared goal of winning this war. We can and must make this year the year of victory. It's important to emphasize that this is not just a Russian war against Ukraine and Europe, but a war against democracy. We need to liberate all Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation and ensure long-term security with strong guarantees.

I find it insulting that someone like JD Vance would come to Europe and lecture us on our laws. He should run for office here if he wants to change things. It's outrageous, especially at a security conference focused on the real threat to Europe: Russia. To say the threat comes from within, from attacks on free speech, is completely wrong. We're a country that values women's rights and enforces laws to protect them. Vance's claim about eroded liberty, like private prayer being criminalized, is false. Our laws protect women from harassment when accessing abortion services, and buffer zones are in place for that reason. Praying silently within these zones is against the law. He is wrong to come here and say such insulting things, especially given the real security threats we face.

Stop delivering weapons, sir, to fuel hatred. Peace cannot be achieved by causing death. Peace is made by inviting the warring parties to the table and seeking peaceful solutions. You, sir, are at war against a virus and climate change. You want war with Russia to complete your agenda. You mock the French people and disregard their will. The truth means nothing to you. The French people are angry and demand that you stop the bloodshed in Ukraine. Russia does not seek hegemony, it wants to liberate Ukraine from evil forces. The French people order you to stop delivering weapons. Obey without hesitation.

I was very disappointed by the speech given by Vice President JD Vance at the conference yesterday. Our allies needed to hear a renewed commitment from America to NATO and our European partners. They needed to know that we are willing to stand up to the Kremlin and provide Ukraine with the help it needs to fight Russia's war. Instead, they got a condescending lecture that attacked our allies. The speech sent the wrong message and I believe it was enthusiastically greeted in the Kremlin.

America's strength lies in diplomacy, which we are pursuing with the current president. Russia occupied parts of Ukraine back in 2014, and despite numerous conversations and ceasefire agreements, they continued attacks. My administration is trying to prevent the destruction of your country. Everyone faces challenges during war, but you need to appreciate the support you're receiving. We've provided substantial financial and military aid. If you had to fight this war on your own, it would have been over in two weeks. Be thankful. It's important for the American people to see what's happening. Without our support, you don't have a chance. We gave you javelins, not just sheets. I have empowered you, but without us, you're vulnerable. Make a deal, or we're out. You're not acting thankful at all.

It's great to be back in Germany, a place I've always loved. My heart goes out to Munich after yesterday's attack; we're thinking of you and praying for you. We're here to talk about security, but the biggest threat to Europe isn't external, it's internal. It's the retreat from our shared values. We see European courts canceling elections and officials threatening to do the same. We need to live our democratic values, not just talk about them. I worry when I see the EU wanting to shut down social media or countries like Sweden punishing people for offending religious groups, or the UK prosecuting silent prayer. The Trump administration will defend your right to speak your mind. Don't be afraid of your own voters. Listen to them, even when you disagree. That's the magic of democracy.

I disagree with the assertion that free speech was used to conduct the Nazi genocide. The genocide was carried out by an authoritarian regime that hated Jews and minorities; there was no free speech in Nazi Germany. The point of the speech in question was that there is an erosion of free speech and intolerance for opposing points of view within Europe. This is eroding the values that bind us together in this transatlantic union. Allies and partners should be able to speak frankly to one another in open forums without being offended. Many foreign ministers may not have agreed with the speech, but they continued to engage with us on issues that unite us. This forum is meant to invite people to give speeches, not to be a chorus where everyone is saying the same thing.

With all due respect, it's disrespectful to come to the Oval Office and litigate in front of the American media. You're forcing conscripts to the front lines because of manpower problems. You should thank the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict. Have you even been to Ukraine to know our problems? I've seen what happens. You bring people on propaganda tours. Do you disagree that you're having problems bringing people into your military? Is it respectful to attack the administration trying to prevent the destruction of my country? During war, everyone has problems. Even you. You don't have the cards right now. You're gambling with the lives of millions and with World War Three. What you're doing is very disrespectful. Have you said thank you even once? You campaigned for the opposition. Offer some appreciation for the United States and the president trying to save my country.

I see the hatred for Putin, and it's tough to make a deal with that. I want to get this thing settled. I could be tougher than anyone, but you won't get a deal that way. We had a president who talked tough about Putin, but Putin still invaded. Diplomacy is the path to peace. Russia occupied parts of Ukraine in 2014, and nobody stopped him. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts, but he broke the ceasefire and didn't exchange prisoners. What kind of diplomacy are we talking about? I'm talking about ending the destruction of your country. It's disrespectful to litigate this here. You should be thanking us for trying to bring this to a conference.

For four years, the previous president talked tough about Putin, but Putin still invaded Ukraine. Diplomacy is the path to peace. In 2014, Russia occupied parts of Ukraine, and nobody stopped them. We signed ceasefire agreements, but Russia broke them, killing our people and not exchanging prisoners. I think it's disrespectful to come here and attack the administration that's trying to prevent the destruction of your country. We're thankful for the help we've received, but we've been strong since the beginning. We've been alone, but you haven't been alone. We have problems because of the war, and the US will feel it in the future, too. We're gambling with World War III. If you could get a ceasefire right now, you take it. You don't have the cards.

We've seen police raids against citizens suspected of posting anti-feminist comments online, framed as combating misogyny. I must address the US Vice President's speech. Our motto in the Bundeswehr is "We fight for your right to be against us," and it represents our democracy. The Vice President questioned this democracy, not just in Germany, but across Europe, likening Europe's condition to authoritarian regimes. Early Tuesday morning, we accompanied state police as they raided an apartment in Northwest Germany. Six armed officers searched the suspect's home, seizing his laptop and cell phone. Prosecutors allege these electronics were used to post a racist cartoon online. Simultaneously, over 50 similar raids occurred across Germany, part of a coordinated effort to curb online hate speech.

It's great to be back in Germany. Our thoughts are with Munich after yesterday's attack. We're here to discuss security, but the biggest threat to Europe is internal: a retreat from shared values with the U.S. We see European courts canceling elections and officials threatening to do the same. We must live our democratic values, unlike those who censored dissidents during the Cold War. I see threats to free speech across Europe, including the UK, where silent prayer near abortion clinics is criminalized. The Trump administration will defend your right to speak freely. If your democracy can be destroyed by a few digital ads, it wasn't strong to begin with. We must engage in dialogue with all political leaders, even those with whom we disagree. Dismissing voters or shutting down media destroys democracy. We must address mass migration, a pressing challenge resulting from conscious political decisions. Don't be afraid to embrace what your people tell you, even when it's surprising.

I think we should be thanking the president for trying to bring this up at the conference. Have you even been to Ukraine to know what problems we have? I've been there, and I've seen the stories. I know that you bring people there on a propaganda tour, Mr. President. Do you disagree that you've had problems?

So, back in 2014, Russia occupied parts of Ukraine, and nobody stopped them. From 2014 to 2022, people kept dying, despite our conversations and signed ceasefire deals with Macron and Merkel. Russia broke the ceasefire, killed our people, and didn't exchange prisoners. What kind of diplomacy is that? It's disrespectful to come here and complain when the US is trying to prevent the destruction of Ukraine. You're drafting conscripts because of manpower issues. Be thankful for our help. Everyone has problems during war. We're staying strong in our country. From the start, we've been alone, but we are thankful. We want to stop the war, but we need guarantees for any ceasefire. Don't ask about ceasefires, ask about our people.

I see the hatred for Putin, making a deal tough. I want peace and am aligned with the world. I can be tough, but deals require more than that. Previous chest-thumping didn't work, diplomacy is needed. Trump's engaging in diplomacy. Russia occupied parts of Ukraine, nobody stopped them. Ceasefires were signed but broken, prisoners weren't exchanged. What kind of diplomacy are we even talking about? I'm trying to end the destruction of your country, but don't come here and start a fight. You're forcing conscripts to the front lines. Be thankful I'm trying to resolve this conflict. You should be appreciating the country that's backing you far more than a lot of people said they should have, and has given you billions of dollars in military equipment. Be thankful. You don't have the cards. If we get a ceasefire, you'd want to take it.

I see the hatred for Putin, which makes a deal tough. I want to get this settled and align with Europe. I could be tougher, but that won't get a deal done. We had a president who talked tough, but Putin still invaded. Diplomacy is the path to peace. Putin occupied parts of Ukraine in 2014, and nobody stopped him. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts, but he broke them, killing our people and not exchanging prisoners. What kind of diplomacy are we talking about? It's disrespectful to litigate this here. You should be thanking me for trying to bring this to a conference.

I must address the US Vice President's recent speech questioning the state of European democracy. His comparison of Europe to authoritarian regimes is unacceptable. In our democracy, every opinion is heard, even those of extremist parties. We even allow media that spread Russian propaganda. However, democracy doesn't mean a minority dictates truth, nor does it allow unchecked speech. We defend our democracy daily against internal and external threats. I strongly disagree with the Vice President's suggestion that our democracies oppress minorities. We know what we defend: democracy, freedom of opinion, the rule of law, and the dignity of all. Unlike the Vice President, I want to focus on European and transatlantic security. Recent events confirm the US is pushing for a quick peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, expecting Europe to secure any resulting agreement.

I oppose the escalation of war and advocate for peace in Europe, including Ukraine and Russia. Some here claim the Ukrainian regime represents our values, but this is misguided. The current government in Kyiv is linked to a history of genocide, specifically the Nazi-affiliated Bandera movement. The symbols and rhetoric used by Ukrainian soldiers reflect this troubling legacy. It's important to recognize these connections rather than blindly support the narrative being presented.

I recall that an EU official sent Elon Musk a threatening letter, suggesting he'd be arrested if he platforms Donald Trump, who may be the next US president. America should insist that if NATO wants our continued support, it must respect American values, especially free speech. It's crazy to support a military alliance that isn't pro-free speech. We can support NATO and promote free speech, but American power comes with expectations. European allies should share our values, particularly regarding basic principles like free speech. I wouldn't impose our values on just any country, but European nations should align with American values, especially on fundamental issues like free speech.

It's tough to make a deal with the hatred some people have for Putin, but the other side isn't exactly in love with him either. I want to see this situation resolved and am aligned with Europe on this. I could be tougher than anyone, but that won't get us a deal. We had a president who talked tough about Putin, but then Putin invaded Ukraine. Diplomacy is the path to peace, not chest-thumping. Putin occupied parts of Ukraine back in 2014, and nobody stopped him. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts with him, but he broke the ceasefire and didn't exchange prisoners. What kind of diplomacy is that? I'm talking about diplomacy that ends the destruction. It's disrespectful to come here and attack the administration trying to prevent the destruction of your country.

He broke agreements and killed our people, refusing prisoner exchanges. What diplomacy is that? We're trying to prevent your country's destruction. Have you even been to Ukraine to understand our problems? During war, everyone faces issues. Don't dictate what we'll feel. We'll be strong. You're gambling with lives and risking World War III, showing disrespect to the country that has supported you. Have you even said thank you? You campaigned against us. Do you think speaking loudly changes things? You're not winning. We've given you billions in aid and military equipment. Without our help, the war would have ended quickly. Just say thank you, accept disagreements, and discuss them instead of fighting in the media when you're wrong. It's important for Americans to see this. You're running low on soldiers, and you should want a ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.

I'm aligned with the US and the world, and I want to end this conflict. It's hard to make a deal with so much hatred. I could be tough, but that won't get us anywhere. For four years, tough talk didn't stop Putin. Diplomacy is the path to peace. Others didn't stop Putin from occupying parts of Ukraine since 2014. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts, but he broke them, killing people and not exchanging prisoners. I am trying to end the destruction of your country. Everyone has problems during war, even you. You've allowed yourself to be in a bad position. You're gambling with lives and World War III, and that's disrespectful to the US. You haven't said thank you, and campaigned against us. Your country is in trouble and not winning. If we are out, you will be fighting on your own.

I'm thankful for the continued support from the American people, President Trump, and Congress during this full-scale invasion. We are strategic partners, and I respect President Trump's desire to end the war, which we want even more. We need to be on the same side to stop Putin, pressuring him alongside Europe. Peace isn't just the absence of war; it's about justice and human rights. I respect President Trump and the American people, and I'm open to discussing sensitive matters outside the media. Signing the minerals deal is a first step to security guarantees, but it's not enough. We need to show our people that America stands with us, not Russia. I want to find a way to peace through diplomacy with the United States, Europe, and Russia at the table.

**Speaker 2 (Michael Shellenberger):** Many of us were shocked by Vance's speech, but I think it's long overdue. Americans deeply value freedom of speech, and we question our alliance when European judges try to censor our speech and social media platforms. America is tired of being the world's police officer, and our patience is tested when Europe seems to turn against enlightenment values like free speech. The only solution to misinformation is accurate information through free debate. **Speaker 3 (Natalie Tucci):** I don't believe there has been an erosion of free speech in Europe, and I don't think what we heard from the US Vice President has much to do with free speech. Vance's rhetoric sounds like the Russian playbook, turning arguments about democracy on their head. His meeting with Alice Weidel suggests election interference and support for far-right parties, which could end liberal democracy and European integration.

They didn't respond to my questions, which is concerning as a member of the European Parliament. I voted against using European funds for weapons and sanctions against Russia. I believe peace and negotiations are the way forward, not escalating conflict. There is censorship against differing opinions, and media demonizes Putin and Russian politics. Our economic ties with Russia are crucial for Europe's economy.