Kamala Harris, standing beside Ukrainian leader, vows a tough response to a Russian invasion

Vice President Kamala Harris stood beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, vowing U.S. support for a nation on the brink of war shortly after warning in a speech that the U.S. and allies would punish Russia if it invades its neighbor.

“The United States stands with Ukraine,” Harris said at the outset of a meeting between the two leaders and a small group of aides. “Any threats to your country, we take seriously, and we have rallied our allies and our partners to speak with one voice.”

Zelensky, speaking through an interpreter, told Harris he was “grateful” for America’s support and suggested that he’d be requesting additional defense aid even as he expressed hope that the threat of economic sanctions from the West could lead to a diplomatic solution.

“This is our land, and the only thing we want is peace,” said Zelensky, who also urged the U.S. to immediately impose sanctions on Russia and not wait for further incursions into Ukraine. “We are grateful to you,” he told Harris, “for your understanding that the sanctions may bring about a peaceful resolution of this matter.”

The symbolism of their meeting affirmed the West’s support for Ukraine as it finds itself once again threatened by Russian forces. But Zelensky did not come to Munich for symbolism or pleasantries. With his country on the brink of war, he pointedly conveyed in an emotional speech his frustration with the relative complacency of allies not staring down the barrel of Russian tanks.

The Ukrainian president, who decided to fly to Germany for meetings with the allies helping to fortify his nation’s defenses, questioned why the U.S. seemed to resist imposing sanctions until Russian troops rolled across his borders.

“You are telling me that the war will start 100% in the next days. Then what are you waiting for?” Zelensky said, drawing attention to the assertion of U.S. officials that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made up his mind to attack.

Zelensky also made clear that he has no intention of caving to Putin, who has demanded an explicit guarantee that Ukraine will not be admitted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.