West must ensure that Ukraine wins, Ischinger says
Munich Security Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger stated this in his closing remarks on February 15, Ukrinform's correspondent reports.
"The question of how this war is going to end is actually an existential question for Europe.
It will determine in more ways than one the future of this continent. And I very much hope that this is not only understood by all of us here in Europe but also by our American friends in Washington," Ischinger said.
He expressed hope that allies and partners are determined to work together to ensure that "Ukraine can and will prevail."
Transatlantic partners, the diplomat is convinced, can do more to increase pressure on Russia. This means providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs, strengthening sanctions against Russia (in particular, American sanctions are still insufficient), and addressing the situation with the so-called shadow fleet.
"There are still a number of options that we have not fully adopted to increase the cost for Russia's continuing war," Ischinger stressed.
He emphasized that partners need an action plan, not further talks.
He also expressed confidence that, despite some doubts, transatlantic partners continue to act as one team, and that Europe is ready to collectively assume a greater share of defense spending and more responsibility for maintaining peace.
As reported, a representative Ukrainian delegation took part in the Munich Security Conference. President Volodymyr Zelensky, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, and other officials held numerous meetings in various formats. The head of state delivered a speech on the forum's main stage. Politicians, experts, and military representatives took part in many events focused on defense technologies and security, including energy security. For the first time in the conference's history, a Ukrainian House operated next to the main conference venue, the Bayerischer Hof hotel. The Ewald von Kleist Award, named after the founder of the MSC, was this year presented to the "brave Ukrainian people."
