Munich Security Conference gets underway in Germany

The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026 – the world’s leading forum for discussing major international security challenges – opens on Friday, February 13, in Munich, the capital of Germany’s Bavaria.

This was reported by an Ukrinform correspondent in Munich.

The three-day event will bring together around 1,000 participants from approximately 120 countries, including nearly 60 heads of state and government, 56 foreign ministers, more than 30 defense ministers, and leaders of over 40 international organizations. Ukraine is represented by a high-level delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will also hold a series of meetings in Munich aimed at strengthening political support for Ukraine and enhancing its defense capabilities.

The conference will officially open at 13:30 local time (14:30 Kyiv time). The opening keynote address will be delivered by German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

According to the organizers, Friday’s main program will focus on discussions of the most pressing global security challenges, including the future of multilateralism, economic security and trade, climate action, hybrid warfare, nuclear security, and the global race in artificial intelligence. On Saturday, debates will center on the state of transatlantic security and the international order as a whole, as well as conflicts and crises – primarily Russia’s war against Ukraine. On Sunday, attention will turn to Europe, its capacity and readiness to act, remain competitive, and forge a shared European vision.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has already arrived in Munich. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, he will take part in key panel discussions and conference events, as well as hold dozens of bilateral and multilateral meetings. Talks will focus on accelerating the peace process, developing effective security guarantees, the consequences of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ukraine’s most urgent needs, defense support, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. A central theme of Sybiha’s speeches at the conference will be the development of a new European security architecture with Ukraine as an integral component and a key source of strength, resilience, and competitiveness for the European Union.

This year, on the sidelines of the MSC, the Ukrainian people will be honored with the Ewald von Kleist Award, named after the founder of the conference. The award is expected to be formally presented to President Zelensky during a ceremonial event. The prize is awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of peace and conflict resolution.

In addition to the award ceremony, which is expected to draw a large number of guests, Ukraine House has opened for the first time this year near the conference venue and will host numerous side events. Ukraine House is organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in partnership with the MSC, the Office of the President of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers.

Photo: @MunSecConf