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The fallout from Vance's remarks was immediate, particularly among European leaders gathered at the conference. A notable response came from the chairman of the Munich Security Conference, who visibly struggled to contain his emotion. He lamented that Vance's comments suggested a fracture in the foundation of shared democratic values that once knit together transatlantic relationships.
This emotional reaction underscored the discord that Vance's statements sparked among European political figures. While some lauded his outspokenness, others viewed his critique as undermining critical alliances and values that have been prioritized since the conclusion of World War II.