Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of the Munich Security Conference's start today, the US vice president says sending troops to Ukraine is “still on the table” should Russia fail to negotiate a peace deal in good faith.

“I think there is a deal that is going to come out of this that’s going to shock a lot of people,” he tells the Wall Street Journal.

“The president is not going in this with blinders on,” he adds. “He’s going to say, 'Everything is on the table, let’s make a deal'.”

He reiterates the US wants Ukraine to get out of peace talks with its independence– but notes it’s still unclear how much of its territory would remain under Russian control.

“There are any number of formulations, of configurations, but we do care about Ukraine having sovereign independence.”

Vance will be attending the conference. He has been a vocal critic of US aid to Ukraine and told last year’s conference that Europe needs to wake up to the US pivoting its focus to East Asia.

Image source, Getty Images

A possible peace deal for Ukraine will be front of mind as world leaders gather for the annual Munich Security Conference today.

It follows US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement earlier this week that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed in a phone call to begin talks to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country must be involved in negotiations - the Kremlin said Ukraine will "one way or another be taking part".

Trump has said representatives from US, Russia and Ukraine will be in Munich for peace talks.

But Russia - which is not officially attending the conference - has not commented, and a senior Ukrainian official said "talks with Russians in Munich" were "not expected".

Zelensky will be in attendance, and is due to meet Trump's Vice-President, JD Vance, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Stay with us as we bring you the latest lines from the conference and updates from our correspondents on the ground.