Politics
Zelenskyy and Rutte discussed the expansion of the PURL programme and new defence projects in Munich
On 14 February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which the parties focused on the further development of the PURL programme, strengthening air defence and launching joint defence ventures in Europe.
Western officials claim China is increasing its support for Russia's war, Beijing denies direct involvement
Western officials say that China increased its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine in 2025 and is likely to strengthen its cooperation with Moscow this year, while Beijing reiterated at the Munich Security Conference that it is not a party to the conflict and is promoting peace talks.
Rutte in Munich: Russian strikes on energy infrastructure did not break Ukrainians, and there were no excuses for the invasion
During discussions at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he was impressed by the resilience of Ukrainians despite Russia's attacks on critical energy infrastructure, rejected any historical arguments Moscow might have for the war, and called on partners to provide Ukraine with everything it needs for self-defence.
In Munich, Zelensky called for faster action and stronger air defence, sanctions and security guarantees for Ukraine
On 14 February, during his speech at the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine wants all efforts to result in genuine security and peace, and that partners must make decisions faster because weapons evolve faster than the politics that are supposed to stop them.
Britain and European allies discuss possibility of arresting tankers belonging to Russia's shadow fleet
British Defence Minister John Healey held talks with his counterparts from the Baltic and Northern European countries on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference regarding the possible arrest of oil tankerslinked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet in order to increase pressure on the Kremlin's military economy almost four years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky met with a bipartisan delegation of US senators in Munich and discussed air defence, sanctions and security guarantees
On 14 February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a group of US senators in Munich, thanked them for their bipartisan support for Ukraine, emphasised the need for additional missiles for air defence and equipment for the energy system, and discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia and preparing security guarantees.
Von der Leyen calls on Europe in Munich to be independent, make faster decisions and increase pressure on Russia
On 14 February, at the Munich Security Conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe must become more independent in matters of security and the economy, move towards more effective decision-making, and not succumb to Russian narratives about the war against Ukraine.
Rubio called for avoiding tensions with China and strengthening the alliance with Europe at the Munich Conference
During his speech at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it is necessary to maintain dialogue and avoid additional tension in relations with China, while emphasising that the United States expects a strong and self-sufficient partnership from Europe.
Trump stated that regime change in Iran would be the best scenario against the backdrop of nuclear negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has suggested that a change of power in Iran could be the best possible outcome, while strengthening the United States' military presence in the region and continuing negotiations with Tehran on its nuclear programme.
The US is preparing for possible multi-week operations against Iran amid diplomacy in Geneva
The American military is preparing options for prolonged operations against Iran if President Donald Trump decides to strike, while talks between representatives of Washington and Tehran are planned in Geneva, mediated by Oman.
Wang Yi called on the US to cooperate in Munich and discussed Russia's war against Ukraine with European ministers
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France, calling on Beijing and Washington to avoid conflict and move towards mutually beneficial cooperation.
Whitaker named China and aggressive Russia as the main challenges for the US and the West
The US Permanent Representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said that strategic competition with China and Russia's war against Ukraine are shaping the United States' security agenda, and that the end of the war must be acceptable to Kyiv.
