US Vice President Mike Pence has pledged an unwavering commitment to the NATO alliance. In a speech at the Munich Security Conference today, Pence said the United States will stand with Europe because the two sides are bound together by the same noble ideals. <br/><br/>He cited freedom, democracy, justice and the rule of law. He called it a promise by President Donald Trump.<br/><br/>Pence also called on allies to pay their fair share to support NATO. He noted that many lack a clear or credible path to do so.<br/><br/>Pence said the United States will continue to hold Russia accountable, even as it searches for new common ground President Trump believes can be found. He also said, Russia must honor the Minsk peace accords for a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and de-escalate violence.<br/><br/>Trump has criticized NATO and expressed a willingness to improve ties with Russia, triggering concerns among European countries.