Merz: the post-war order no longer exists, we need a sovereign Europe

Speaking about the prospects of the conflict in Ukraine from the forum of the Munich Security Conference, French President Emmanuel Macron said that 'There will be no peace without the Europeans, rest assured,' he added. Macron reiterated the call to reopen 'a transparent channel of communication' with the Russians, in cooperation with the Americans and Ukrainians. In the event of peace in Ukraine, Europe - he stressed - 'will have to define the rules of coexistence' with Russia.

Europe should be taken as an 'example' and not 'criticised' or 'caricatured'. Thus French President Emmanuel Macron speaking at the Munich Security Conference a year after US Vice-President JD Vance launched a harsh attack against the Old Continent from the same stage. "Europe has been vilified as an ageing, slow and fragmented construct, relegated by history. As an overregulated and apathetic economy that shies away from innovation. As a society plagued by barbarian migrations that corrupt its precious traditions. And, even more curiously, in some quarters as a repressive continent where speech is not free and where alternative facts cannot claim the same right of citizenship as truth itself - this concept is obsolete and cumbersome,' said the French president.

French President Emmanuel Macron sees 'peace being drawn' in Ukraine, but recalls that Russia continues to 'kill civilians'. 'We must continue to strike Russia's shadow fleet,' he said at the Munich Security Conference, 'We must apply pressure. We clearly see that Russia's revenues have dropped by 25 per cent, this shows that hitting that fleet is really working'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "I discussed joint arms production projects and diplomatic work with Friedrich Merz," Zelensky noted on social media, "further military assistance, additional contributions to the PURL initiative, diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and energy support were the key topics discussed with the Chancellor." "We also addressed the first important results of joint drone production between Ukraine and Germany. It is precisely this kind of cooperation that makes our countries stronger. We discussed how to expand it," the Ukrainian leader added, "I thank Germany for its contribution in saving lives during Russia's large-scale war, especially for providing air defence systems that saved thousands and thousands of lives of our people."

In Munich, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz once again listed the many initiatives taken in Germany to strengthen NATO and to enable the country to defend itself if necessary, explaining once again that Berlin's goal is to have the strongest conventional army in Europe. "Let us strengthen NATO's eastern flank; that is what our brigade in Lithuania is for. We will do more to ensure the security of the far north. The first German Eurofighters have been registered; more will follow," he said in his speech. "We will make the Bundeswehr as quickly as possible the strongest conventional army in Europe, able to resist if necessary," he added.

"The Berlin format remains firm in its commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine". This was stated via social media by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, referring to the meeting of the informal format within NATO that she attended during the work of the Munich Security Conference. "We have reaffirmed our readiness to provide solid security guarantees after the end of the fighting, with the US playing a crucial supporting and monitoring role", while "the European, US and Ukrainian partners have prepared a common framework for prosperity, anchored in reforms, EU integration and mobilisation of public and private capital", she added. "In addition, Europe is stepping up its direct support. We are finalising our EUR 90 billion loan to keep the state running while strengthening air defence systems and enhancing defence capabilities. We are also increasing the cost of war for Russia through our 20th sanctions package. Our goal is clear: to ensure that Ukraine can negotiate peace on its own terms, from a position of strength and with a secure and prosperous future for its citizens within the EU,' he concludes.

In their meeting today in Munich, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz "discussed pressing global challenges, including the security of supply chains, advancing efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, and strengthening the partnership between the United States and Europe". This was reported in a US State Department memo. Rubio "expressed appreciation for Germany's strong support for Ukraine, including over $76 billion in aid from 2022, and discussed the continued coordination of reconstruction efforts." The two 'reiterated the importance of deepening the US-German partnership on these critical priorities'.

'Russia spends $2 billion a year on cognitive warfare'. This was said by Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of Nato's military committee, at the Munich security conference. Cavo Dragone, then speaking on the subject of hybrid warfare, emphasised that Nato "could start talking about preventive actions" in this sphere when "it comes to saving lives", in case there are indications that "an attack is about to happen", reiterating that, as stated in his interview with the Financial Times, this is one of the possibilities available to Nato.

Spain is willing to send troops to the International Gaza Stabilisation Force. This was stated by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the Munich Security Conference. "Spain is ready to participate, even with troops," he told the conference, adding that before doing so Spain needs a "clear mandate from the United Nations and to see the Palestinian National Authority at the centre of the whole process". Albares called for "massive humanitarian aid" to be allowed "at all border crossings to Gaza", saying that stabilisation in Gaza must be "a Palestinian-led process under the Palestinian National Authority". Peace in Gaza must be built from the current "ceasefire that is continuously violated", he added.

US President Donald Trump is the 'most destructive president' ever. This was stated by California Governor Gavin Newsom on stage at the Munich Conference, saying that the US president is 'doubling down on his stupidity'. "Never in the history of the United States of America has there been a more destructive president than the current occupant of the White House in Washington," he said, claiming that Trump "is trying to recreate the 19th century." The California governor added that "we are demonstrating on a large scale that we can implement, we can compete and we can dominate, but Donald Trump is trying to turn back the clock." "I hope Donald Trump is temporary. He will be gone in three years," he added, arguing that the climate crisis is directly affecting Americans, as "people are burning, choking, overheating; we have simultaneous droughts and floods, forest fires of historic proportions." Newsom, considered a potential Democratic candidate in the 2028 presidential election, specifically stated that ''California is a great Democratic state, but it also has more Republicans than most Republican states''.

A moment of mirth at the start of the Munich Security Conference: the conference chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, indulged in a bit of humour during his opening speech, recalling the appearance of French President Emmanuel Macron wearing sunglasses. "I would like to try to lighten the tone a little bit," Ischinger said. "I think what happened a few weeks ago in Davos does not necessarily have to stay in Davos, so I will wear these for a moment." And with that, the 79-year-old picked up a pair of mirrored sunglasses.

Wolfgang Ischinger

Relations with the US remain 'unshakeable' and Tokyo is committed to close cooperation with Washington, as well as with European partners. This was emphasised by Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the Munich Security Conference, according to Hanselblatt. Japan,' he explained, 'trusts that the United States will continue to support its security, but at the same time is working to strengthen its own security, independent of its partners.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is not counting on an alternative to NATO's current nuclear deterrence. "Why should we Europeans have any interest in jeopardising this nuclear deterrence, which is guaranteed by the Americans and seems destined to remain so, through other activities?" said Pistorius on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The SPD politician warned against duplication of structures and efforts, 'which ultimately do not lead to duplicate results', which is why 'I am rather cautious about this'. The defence minister also stated that he considered this 'a debate that we do not necessarily need right now'. Pistorius also referred to the international treaties to which Germany is bound, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In addition, Germany has committed in the Two Plus Four Agreement not to possess nuclear weapons of its own.'This means that taking this step would be a violation of these treaties,' he added.

Moscow is unlikely to end its war against Ukraine until it is 'economically and militarily exhausted'. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this while speaking at the Security Conference in Munich. Kiev's Western allies must 'do whatever it takes' to bring Russia to a point where it will no longer see any advantage in continuing 'this terrible war'. "We are not there yet," added the chancellor, for whom Russia has shown no willingness to engage "seriously" in peace talks to end the invasion, which will enter its fifth year at the end of this month."

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China is ready to provide 'new humanitarian aid' to Ukraine, during a talk with his Ukrainian counterpart at the Munich security conference. "Relations between China and Ukraine must remain on the right track (...). China is ready to provide new humanitarian aid to Ukraine,' he told Andrii Sybiha, according to a statement published by Chinese state media Cctv.

"Yes, it is true that the UN Security Council resolution provided for a Board of Peace for Gaza, but it also provided for it to be limited in time until 2027, it provided for the Palestinians to have a say, and it referred to Gaza, whereas the statute of the Board of Peace makes no reference to any of these things". This was said by EU High Representative Kaja Kalla during her speech at the Munich conference, in conversation with US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. "So I think there is a Security Council resolution but the Board of Peace does not reflect it."

"We will try to see if we can find a solution. But I don't think that" the crisis with the US over Greenland "is over". Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told the Financial Times on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where she will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the high tension at the beginning of January, "we now have a more traditional political diplomatic path to follow," explained the Danish leader, reiterating however that the Copenhagen 'red lines' on sovereignty are non-negotiable. "Europe must have an emergency mentality," she added. "I will never suggest anything that separates us from the United States. But if it is the US that does something that divides us, even partially, then my strongest advice is to bridge' this gap, he stressed, urging Europeans to act in the face of the evidence that 'the old world is not coming back'. Frederiksen then praised the united response to Donald Trump's pressure. The newfound unity 'tells us that the basic principles of a global society - respect for sovereign states, territorial integrity - are values on which the majority of the world's population will not compromise,' she stressed. The premier then defended the decision to deploy a small contingent of allied troops to Greenland, rejecting accusations of provocation from Washington: 'We were totally transparent with the Americans, they knew exactly what was going on and why'.

"You know, what is the opposite of the word 'order', of a world based on rules? It is tyranny and wars. And that is clearly where we are now," said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, during the panel The International Order between Reform and Destruction at the Munich Security Conference, stating that today "the United Nations does not reflect the world as it is today".

"Whenever we have faced major international crises, we have also seen a development in international law. The League of Nations did not have the instruments that the United Nations had, and now we have to look to the future," Kallas noted.

"It will not be enough to react to the manoeuvres of the great powers: we have to define our own agenda". This was said by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaking at the Munich Security Conference, outlining a four-pillar 'freedom agenda' to tackle the new geopolitical phase. The first pillar is to strengthen Germany and Europe 'militarily, politically, economically and technologically', so as to 'reduce dependencies and vulnerabilities', including by supporting Ukraine 'in its courageous stand against Russian imperialism'. The second pillar is a stronger and sovereign Europe: 'A sovereign Europe is our best response to the new era,' he said, calling for a focus on freedom, security and competitiveness. The third element is the transatlantic partnership. "A gap has opened between Europe and the United States," he acknowledged, but "together we are stronger" and cooperation remains indispensable, because "even the United States will not be strong enough if it acts alone". Finally, the fourth pillar, a global network of partners: 'Europe and the transatlantic relationship remain central, but they are no longer enough on their own'. For Merz, new strategic partnerships with countries in different regions such as Canada, Japan, India and Brazil are needed to 'reduce risks, open up opportunities and protect our freedom'.

The head of Chinese diplomacy, Wang Yi, invited to Ukraine by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Sybiha himself reported on the invitation in a post on X after his "meaningful and productive meeting" with Wang in Munich on the sidelines of the Security Conference. "We focused on ways to develop mutually beneficial bilateral trade and relations, based on mutual respect for territorial integrity," Sybiha wrote. "I informed the Chinese counterpart about the situation on the ground, the Russian attacks on our energy system and the damage to Chinese companies due to Russian attacks. "I invited Wang on a visit to Ukraine and thanked him for inviting me to China," the post concludes with thanks to Beijing for its "decision to provide Ukraine with an additional humanitarian aid package" to deal with the energy crisis. Since the beginning of the conflict triggered by the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, China has always claimed a neutral stance but is accused of providing support to Vladimir Putin's Russia in various ways.

"In my personal assessment, this war will only end when Russia is at least economically and potentially militarily exhausted. We are approaching that moment, but we are not there yet,' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said about the war in Ukraine during the interview following his speech at the Munich Conference.

"I said in my speech that we have done a lot to achieve this goal, but we are not there yet. Russia must give up this terrible war against Ukraine. And we must do everything necessary to bring it to the point where it no longer sees any advantage in continuing this terrible war," Merz continued.

"Let me start with the uncomfortable truth: a gap has opened up between Europe and the US. Vice President J. D. Vance said this very openly a year ago here in Munich. He was right. The cultural struggle of the MAGA movement is not ours'. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this in Munich. 'Freedom of speech with us ends when it goes against human dignity and the constitution. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. We remain loyal to climate agreements and the WHO because we are convinced that only together can we solve global challenges'.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that he has 'entered into confidential talks' with the French president on the subject of European nuclear deterrence. Merz's reference, which came during his speech at the Munich Security Conference, is to the possibility of France - the only European country along with the United Kingdom to have the nuclear bomb - extending its deterrent to the whole of Europe, while the United States gradually disengages from the defence of the continent.

- "Europe needs a strong, independent defence industry in partnership with the United States. I believe that Europe must be autonomous, with solid security guarantees,' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X today, introducing his speech that he will give tomorrow at the Munich Security Conference.

"I am sure that Ukraine is a solid partner, a good partner, with real experience from this war, tragic war. But we are ready to share it, we are ready to be partners, we are ready to support Europe and, of course, we count on strategic partners like Germany and other European nations," Zelensky continued.

"We need to talk, it is more urgent than ever". German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this when opening the Munich Security Conference. "For several years now there has also been a mood here in the hall marked by rising tensions and conflicts in the world". Merz also quoted the motto of the conference: 'Under destruction', referring to the post-war world security order. "I am afraid we have to say it in even clearer terms: this order, however imperfect it was even in its best moments, no longer exists.

"Russia's gross domestic product amounts to about two trillion euros. That of the European Union is almost ten times higher. Yet Europe today is not ten times stronger than Russia," Merz said. 'Our military, political, economic and technological potential is enormous. But for a long time we have not exploited it to the necessary extent."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the first day of the Munich Security Conference, amidst fierce competition between the two great powers. This was reported by an Afp reporter. The meeting between the two officials comes just days after US President Donald Trump said he would host his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the White House later this year to discuss trade issues, among other things.

Rubio arrived in the Bavarian capital in the morning, where he has a series of meetings scheduled, including one today with German Chancellor Merz, before delivering a highly anticipated speech on Saturday to top defence and security officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with representatives of German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems, presented a modern multi-rotor drone on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The meeting took place during Zelensky's visit to the German company on the sidelines of the conference, and according to reports by Bild, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Quantum Systems co-CEOs Sven Kruck and Florian Seibel were also present.

The device shown is a high-performance reconnaissance and operational drone, at a time when drone technology is considered a crucial factor in the fight against Russia, and reportedly represents a sign of expanding military-technical cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.

Not far from the main venue of the Munich Security Conference, a demonstration calling for regime change in Iran took to the streets. Several hundred people, wearing yellow hats and waistcoats, shouted 'No Shah, no mullah': if in fact on the one hand they are protesting against the ayatollahs' regime, on the other hand they are not happy about the involvement of Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Persia's son in exile in the USA.

"The Iranian people reject all forms of dictatorship, whether it is the Shah or the Supreme Leader. The presence of the deposed Iranian dictator's son at the Munich Security Conference leaves a shameful stain on the conference," said a speaker from the main stage quoted by the Guardian, stressing that his participation reminds Iranians of the 1953 coup "that inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering on our people". "Our message today is . clear, simple and unwavering: change will come from within Iran, not from foreign intervention," she said.

Berlin is pursuing 'a path towards understanding and cooperation with the United States, with the healthy confidence that we can make our contribution in this area'. This was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. ''Germany has the task of telling the United States what is at stake and it will do so. It is a matter of making it clear that they too will need Europe, that it makes sense for us to stand united,' he stressed.

The stability of the Sahel as a key element for the security of Europe's southern flank was the focus of the meeting between Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and his Mauritanian colleague Hanana Ould Sidi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

"Cordial meeting with our Mauritanian colleague, Hanana Oul Sidi. At the heart of the conversation was the common will to strengthen cooperation for the security of the area and, more generally, of the Sahel, a region whose stability is essential to ensure that of Europe's southern flank,' Crosetto wrote.

It will be German Chancellor Friedrich Merz who will officially open the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026), characterised by the rifts between Europe and the United States triggered by the Trump presidency, with an opening speech scheduled for around 1.45pm. Closing the first day, with a speech expected at 7pm, will be French President Emmanuel Macron.

At the top of the agenda of the conference, which closes on Sunday 15, is Ukraine and the strengthening of European defences within NATO, as well as hotbeds in the Middle East and Iran.

After today's meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Conference, German counterpart Johann Wadephul stated that Ukraine can count on Germany.

"Ukraine is fighting for freedom in Europe, while Putin shows no will to end this war. We are working on a strong 20th sanctions package and will continue to keep up the pressure on Russia,' Wadephul noted, reiterating to the Ukrainian diplomat that 'you can count on us'.

"In Munich, I had a meaningful and productive meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. We focused on ways to develop mutually beneficial trade and bilateral relations based on mutual respect for territorial integrity. I reiterated Ukraine's interest in contacts with China at the highest level. We discussed peace efforts and China's important role in facilitating the end of the war." This was stated on X by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, adding that he had invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Ukraine. "I informed my Chinese counterpart about the situation on the battlefield, the Russian attacks on our energy system and the damage to Chinese companies caused by the Russian attacks. I am grateful for Beijing's decision to provide an additional energy humanitarian assistance package to Ukraine. I also invited Minister Wang Yi to visit Ukraine and thanked him for the invitation to visit China,' Sybiha stressed.

"The German government is pursuing a path of understanding and cooperation with the United States, with the healthy confidence that we can make our contribution in this area," he said. This was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where he outlined Berlin's strategic line on security, defence and transatlantic relations. The minister explained that Germany intends to make it clear to the United States 'what is at stake', emphasising that Washington too 'will need Europe' and that remaining united is essential for international stability, calling for a greater community spirit among allies.

"For years we have heard, both within the Alliance and elsewhere, that Europe must do more for defence. And it is true. Europe must become more independent; it must do more for its defence. A strong Europe also means a strong NATO, and that is the mentality I have brought to the European Union'. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said this at a joint press conference in Munich with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Bavarian President Markus Soder.

'Last year,' Von der Leyen recalled, 'we did more for defence in Europe than in the previous ten years'. All these 'billions and billions used are intended to create jobs, promote innovation and development, and therefore must also flow into our European defence industry, including in Bavaria, because that is the return on investment we all need'.

"Yesterday, there was broad support for the need to continue to support Ukraine, and also a widespread awareness that we still need to do more for Ukraine, but also an awareness, as far as Ukraine is concerned, that the Russians are registering significant losses day after day: 35,000 dead in December, 30,000 dead in January." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this at a press point at the Munich Security Conference with Markus Söder, Minister President of the Land of Bavaria, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and Johann Wadepuhl, German Foreign Minister. "While the Russians want to be perceived as a mighty bear, it could be said that they are moving in Ukraine at the speed of a snail in a garden," he added, urging then not to fall "into the trap of Russian propaganda".

Joint defence procurement financed by Safe loans will support the military industry in the EU and Ukraine, providing a strong 'return on investment', benefiting territories such as Bavaria. This was emphasised by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, speaking in Munich at an event organised by Csu to accompany the security conference. Safe, she recalled, "has allocated billions of euros for joint projects to close gaps and strengthen our defence capabilities. It is clearly stated that 65 per cent, two-thirds, of the products must come from Europe, Ukraine or Europe, and must no longer be purchased from abroad'. This, he continued, is 'for a good reason, because these billions and billions allocated to defence are intended to create jobs and promote innovation and development. Therefore, these investments must flow into our European defence industry, particularly in Bavaria. This is the return on investment we all need,' he concluded.

"I have just arrived at the Munich Security Conference to defend the values of democracy and a sovereign and independent Europe. And also a just peace in Ukraine and Palestine'. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares wrote this on X. 'In the face of the breakdown of the world order and the law of the jungle, cooperation and multilateralism,' he remarked.

"Today in Munich, Germany. It is an important day and there will be new steps towards our common security - of Ukraine and Europe." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lifts reservations and arrives in Munich for the Security Conference. Possible meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"On the agenda is the first joint Ukrainian-German drone production venture, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings with partners," the Ukrainian leader explained on Telegram.

Talks are expected to take place in Munich between Danish authorities and US interlocutors, first and foremost Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The announcement came from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. "We have agreed several meetings with US politicians, including the Secretary of State, also on Greenland," she said on arrival at the Munich Security Conference in statements reported by the Ritzau news agency.

"We live in a world torn apart and polarised by wars and violence. Many of our fellow citizens are distressed and disoriented. The international order is threatened. In this situation, Europe must rediscover its soul in order to be able to offer the world its indispensable contribution to the 'common good'". Thus began an appeal addressed to the Continent's Christians by the Presidents of the Italian Bishops' Conferences, Card. Zuppi, the French one, Card. Aveline, the German one, Msgr. Baetzing, and the Polish one, Msgr. Wojda. "Europe cannot be reduced to an economic and financial market," they say, "on pain of betraying the initial vision of its founding fathers. While respecting the rule of law and rejecting the exclusivist logic of isolationism and violence, it will opt for supranational conflict resolution, choosing appropriate mechanisms and alliances. It must always be ready to resume dialogue, even in cases of conflict, and work towards reconciliation and peace. Europe is called upon to seek alliances that lay the foundations for genuine solidarity between peoples'.

"We are living in a time of great upheaval. That is why the Munich Security Conference has never been so relevant,' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on her social media today on the opening day of the Munich 2026 Conference.

"2025 was the year when the old certainties came to an end. 2026 is the year when we face reality," the European leader noted.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Munich today, thanking him for German support for Ukraine's defence, which 'has reached a record level of EUR 11.5 billion'.

"We talked about peace efforts, steps to strengthen Ukraine's defence and resilience, and increased pressure on Moscow," the Ukrainian diplomat wrote on X, representing the contents of the meeting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, before boarding the plane that brought him to the Munich Security Conference, told reporters that 'Europe is important to the US', but we live in a 'new geopolitical era', 'the old world has disappeared' and this 'will require all of us to re-examine what it looks like and what our role will be'.

"Frankly, the old world has disappeared, the world I grew up in, and we are living in a new geopolitical era, and this will require all of us to re-examine what that looks like and what our role will be," Rubio told reporters, reiterating that "we are deeply tied to Europe and our future has always been tied to that and will continue to be tied to that."

'I think there is no greater victory for Trump than to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine'. Saying this, in an interview with 'The Atlantic', was the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. 'As his legacy, it is the most important thing,' he added. For the Ukrainian president, moreover, this is also the path to a Republican success in November. "The most advantageous situation for Trump is to do it before the mid-term elections," Zelensky said about the possibility of ending the war. Trump clearly doesn't want more deaths, 'but if we talk like adults, it's a victory for him, a political victory'.

To read more about the situation in Ukraine: Russian raid on Odessa: 1 dead and 6 injured

Alert at Cologne/Bonn airport: due to a security problem, flight operations are currently largely suspended. As confirmed by a spokesman for the Federal Police, no departures are possible at the moment, reports Bild. The security area of the airport has been closed. 'There is no immediate danger to the life or health of any person; this is a precautionary measure that we, as police, are taking,' he said. At 6:37 a.m., according to the spokesman, the airport security checkpoint was closed and the security area of Terminals 1 and 2 was cleared by the Federal Police. "This is a precautionary measure," the spokesman said. "The measures are still ongoing and we cannot yet say when they will be completed." As for the security incident itself, no concrete details can be given at the moment, "because we ourselves are still investigating and only want to issue confirmed statements," the spokesman said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to invite Western allies to create a multinational defence initiative at this weekend's Munich Security Conference. The Financial Times reports this, citing informed sources.

The initiative would aim to coordinate joint arms procurement and reduce the costs of rearmament among participating countries, against a background of increasing pressure to strengthen European military capabilities.

"We are living in a period of upheaval. So the Munich Security Conference has never been more topical. 2025 was the year when the old certainties collapsed. 2026 is the year when we confront reality. I am here to talk about Europe's moment of independence. We are ready to take more responsibility for our security'. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared this on social media.

"I think so. I think he will be there and there will be an opportunity to see him. I think it's on my agenda. I'm not 100 per cent certain, but I'm sure we will". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this before leaving the US for Europe where he will take part in the Munich Security Conference. "We want the war to end," he added, "People are suffering, it's the coldest time of the year, it's unimaginable suffering. That is why wars are bad, and that is why we have worked so hard for over a year to try to end this one'. Rubio finally specified that during this trip 'he will not go' to Russia.

'Europe is important to us'. This is the 'message' that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio intends to bring tomorrow in his speech at the Munich conference, one year after the 'shock' of Vice President JD Vance's speech, which had accused Europe of "having abandoned its values". Accusations repeated several times since then, even to the point of being included in the new US National Security Strategy, in which Europe is referred to as 'a civilisation at risk'. 'We're closely connected to Europe,' Rubio assured before leaving for Munich, the first stop on a trip that will also take him to Hungary and Slovakia, to Donald Trump's big populist admirers Prime Ministers Viktor Orban and Robert Fico, 'I think most people in our country can trace their cultural or personal origins back to Europe, so we're deeply connected to Europe and our future has always been connected... So we just have to talk about what that future will look like'. Because, the US diplomatic chief pointed out, "the old world is over, frankly, the world I grew up in, and we are living in a new geopolitical era, which will require all of us to re-examine what that will look like and what our role will be." "We have had many private conversations with many of our allies, who are such, and we must continue to have them," he concluded.