Ukraine conflict and NATO challenges: Munich Security Conference: As it happened

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) concluded at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany, with the primary topic being the conflict in Ukraine.

No Russian officials were invited to the event, the site of President Vladimir Putin’s famous 2007 speech warning against NATO expansion.

On the first day of the event, key attendees included US Vice President J.D. Vance, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Each delivered speeches that centered on the Ukraine conflict and security in Europe. Vance’s controversial address critiqued European leaders, accusing them of being afraid of their own voters. He argued that the primary security issue on the continent is not China or Russia, but rather Europe’s abandonment of its core values.

Ukrainian and US delegations met on the sidelines of the conference, with Zelensky stating that he is ready to move as quickly as possible toward a real and guaranteed peace. He also said he would meet with only one Russian, Putin, but only when he has a joint plan with the US president and Europe.

The live stream has ended.