Munich, Germany – February 15, 2026 — The 62nd Munich Security Conference drew to a close on Sunday after three days of intense high-level debates that focused primarily on Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, the future of transatlantic relations under a second Trump administration, and Europe’s urgent need to strengthen its own defense capabilities in a rapidly changing global security landscape.
The annual gathering — widely regarded as the world’s premier forum for security policy — brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 115 countries, including around 60 heads of state and government, numerous foreign and defense ministers, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and senior representatives from the United States, China, India, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and many other nations.
Opening Warnings: “The Old World Is Gone”
The conference opened on Friday with stark assessments of the erosion of the post-Cold War rules-based international order. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that “the old world is gone,” arguing that rapid geopolitical shifts — including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China’s assertiveness, and Iran’s regional activities — are forcing nations to fundamentally reassess their positions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this view, warning that “the international order no longer exists in its original form.” He cited Russia’s war in Ukraine and intensifying great-power rivalries as the primary drivers of instability, urging Europe to move beyond strategic dependence on the United States and build genuine defense autonomy while preserving the transatlantic alliance.
Ukraine Remains at the Center of Gravity
Ukraine dominated the agenda throughout the three days. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte delivered a pointed message, stating that Russia is sustaining “staggering losses” in personnel and equipment while making only limited territorial gains. He urged allies not to fall for narratives portraying Moscow as an invincible “mighty bear” and emphasized that European countries are finally increasing defense spending and assuming greater responsibility within the alliance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the conference via video link and in multiple bilateral meetings, repeatedly stressed the importance of unity as “the best interceptor” against Russian aggression. He met with NATO officials, U.S. envoys, and European leaders to press for sustained air-defense funding, long-range weapons, and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war — while firmly maintaining that Kyiv will not accept any settlement that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty.
European leaders reinforced the message of shared responsibility. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to boosting defense spending and industrial capacity, stating that “a stronger Europe reinforces NATO, not weakens it.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a more robust “European pillar” within the alliance while safeguarding transatlantic ties, adding that Europe must reduce certain strategic dependencies and work toward building “a more European NATO.”
German Chancellor Merz also emphasized the need for the EU to forge strategic partnerships with countries such as Türkiye, India, and Brazil to address global challenges beyond the immediate Euro-Atlantic theater.
Nuclear Risks, Middle East, and Global Flashpoints
Debates also turned to nuclear risks and arms control. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that any further expansion of nuclear arsenals would be a “historical error,” calling instead for renewed multilateral arms control efforts.
The Middle East featured prominently, with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan calling for an immediate halt to civilian killings in Gaza and urging concrete progress toward Palestinian statehood as the only path to lasting stability. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen pressed European countries — including Germany and Finland — to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
Discussions on Syria focused on sovereignty, reconstruction, and accountability mechanisms after more than a decade of conflict. Iran’s nuclear program also resurfaced, with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stating that a new inspections agreement with Tehran is “technically possible” but remains politically elusive.
High-level contacts between China and the United States occurred on the sidelines, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Wang emphasized that Europe should be “at the table” in any future peace negotiations on Ukraine and signaled Beijing’s willingness to provide additional humanitarian assistance to Kyiv.
Europe’s Strategic Future and Transatlantic Reassurances
On the closing day, attention shifted to Europe’s long-term strategic positioning. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected claims that Europe is in decline, insisting that the continent must reinforce its defenses and global role in an increasingly competitive environment.
While U.S. officials — including Secretary Rubio — repeatedly reassured European allies of Washington’s commitment to NATO, several European leaders cautioned that any unilateral approaches could risk weakening alliance cohesion at a critical moment.
From Türkiye, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, National Intelligence Organization chief İbrahim Kalın, chair of parliament’s National Defense Committee Hulusi Akar, and Presidential Chief Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç attended the conference and held numerous bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
The Munich Security Conference once again underscored the profound challenges facing the international community — from Russia’s war in Ukraine to transatlantic recalibration, nuclear risks, Middle East instability, and the need for Europe to step up strategically. As participants departed Munich, the overriding message was clear: the post-Cold War order has fractured, and collective action will be required to shape a stable future.
