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Ukraine conflict and NATO challenges: Munich Security Conference kicks off (LIVE UPDATES) Ukraine conflict and NATO challenges: Munich Security Conference: As it happened
(about 7 hours later)
Senior political figures have convened to discuss the Ukraine crisis and other issues at the annual meetingSenior political figures have convened to discuss the Ukraine crisis and other issues at the annual meeting
The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) has officially begun at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany, bringing together senior politicians, analysts, Western media, and security experts to discuss global issues, with a significant focus on the conflict in Ukraine. The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) concluded at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany, with the primary topic being the conflict in Ukraine.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to open the event, setting the stage for the three-day gathering.  No Russian officials were invited to the event, the site of President Vladimir Putin’s famous 2007 speech warning against NATO expansion.
No Russian officials were invited to the event, the site of President Vladimir Putin’s famous 2007 speech, where he warned 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.
US President Donald Trump however announced on Thursday that American and Russian officials would meet on the sidelines of the event in Munich on Friday, with Ukraine also invited to participate. Vladimir Zelensky has stated that he does not expect to hold talks with any Russian delegation.  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.
This year’s MSC comes in the first days of Trump’s administration and ahead of a crucial general election in Germany on February 23. The live stream has ended.
Key attendees include US Vice President J.D. Vance, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.