Munich Security Conference. What Was Said About Russia?
•February 16, 2026
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Why It Matters
The remarks signal a shift toward diplomatic pressure on Russia and underscore the need for coordinated European defense and negotiation strategies, affecting future security and aid policies.
Key Takeaways
- •Russia may profit more diplomatically than militarily
- •US doubts Russia's genuine intent to end war
- •Europe urged to develop long-range strike capabilities
- •Ukraine seeks greater European role in peace talks
- •Poland demands negotiation seat due to war funding
Pulse Analysis
The Munich Security Conference served as a barometer for Western attitudes toward the protracted Russo‑Ukrainian conflict, revealing a consensus that Russia’s strategic advantage now lies more in diplomatic maneuvering than in battlefield gains. Kaja Kallas’ stark assessment that Moscow is “weaker on the ground but stronger at the negotiating table” reflects a broader recognition that sanctions and battlefield setbacks have not translated into a decisive diplomatic defeat. This perspective pushes policymakers to recalibrate leverage, using diplomatic channels and economic pressure to offset Russia’s newfound bargaining power.
European security debates took center stage as Emmanuel Macron warned that the cessation of hostilities will not eliminate Russia’s aggressive posture. His call for long‑range precision‑strike systems and an expanded nuclear deterrence framework signals a shift toward deeper defense integration within the EU, potentially accelerating initiatives like the European Sky Shield and joint procurement of hypersonic weapons. Such moves aim to deter any resurgence of Russian coercion and to reassure Eastern European allies wary of a security vacuum.
Financial burdens and representation in peace talks emerged as contentious issues, highlighted by Ukraine’s President Zelensky and Poland’s Foreign Minister Sikorski. Both stressed that Europe, as the largest donor of aid, deserves a substantive role in negotiations, a demand that could reshape future diplomatic architectures. Meanwhile, the United States’ ambiguous stance, articulated by Marco Rubio, adds uncertainty to the transatlantic alliance’s cohesion. As the war drags on, the interplay between diplomatic leverage, defense modernization, and aid allocation will dictate the strategic landscape for Europe and its partners.
Munich Security Conference. What was said about Russia?
Title: The Munich Security Conference ended on February 15. What was said about Russia in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine?
Author: Patryk Jagnieża
Publication date: 16 February 2026
The issue of the full‑scale Russo‑Ukrainian war, which has been ongoing for almost four years now, remains an important topic in the context of regional security. It is worth paying attention to how the participants of the conference spoke about it.
Photo: Munich Security Conference
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the negotiation situation surrounding the conflict. As she pointed out, currently, Russia could gain more in the negotiations than it has gained on the front so far. Since 2014, Russia has “struggled to advance beyond the front line,” suffering around 1.2 million casualties. “Today Russia is weakened, its economy is in ruins, it has been cut off from European energy markets, and its citizens are fleeing. The greatest threat Russia currently poses is that it is achieving more at the negotiating table than on the battlefield,” Kallas said.
The head of American diplomacy, Marco Rubio, representing the United States at the conference, stated that “we do not know whether the Russians seriously want to end the war against Ukraine.” The warring parties cannot reach an agreement on the most difficult issues. The tone of Rubio’s speech is milder than the statements of the most important decision‑makers in the United States. Last year, the United States was represented by Vice President J. D. Vance, who sharply criticized Europe. However, the American message remains similar – with Donald Trump returning to the presidency, the current foreign policy of the United States is changing. This does not mean, however, that the United States is unwilling to cooperate with Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron drew attention to the fact that Europe will have to deal with an aggressive Russia even after the war in Ukraine ends. According to the politician, Europe should develop long‑range precision‑strike systems. The president also mentioned nuclear deterrence. The French side has initiated a dialogue with European leaders regarding the expansion of French nuclear capabilities across Europe.
The Ukrainian side at the conference was represented by President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his speech, he lamented the lack of European involvement in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. “Europe is practically absent at the table. In my opinion, this is a big mistake. And we, I think we Ukrainians, are trying to fully involve Europe in this process so that Europe’s interests and voice are taken into account. This is very important.” Currently, the negotiations are being conducted through the United States in locations distant from Europe. At the same time, it should be added that Europe remains the largest donor of financial and military aid to Ukraine, which continues to fight.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also drew attention to the same issue. “We are paying for the war now. Last year, the American contribution to the war was close to zero. We are buying American weapons in order to deliver them to Ukraine. There is no foreign aid in Congress and not even the prospect of foreign aid. If we are paying, we deserve a seat at the table, because the outcome of this war will affect us,” he said.
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