European diplomats gathered at the Munich Security Conference to discuss a potential peace plan for Ukraine, amidst tensions and controversy. Key leaders emphasized their commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025 has been a platform for top diplomats from across Europe to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. One of the key events was a town hall discussion moderated by DW’s Sarah Kelly, where US and European politicians gathered to share their perspectives on a potential peace plan.
In his opening speech, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his disappointment with the US’ stance on the conflict. He emphasized that Germany would not work with far-right groups, following Vice President JD Vance‘s divisive speech on Friday.
Under no circumstances will we work with those who want to undermine our democracy and our values. – ‘We need a united Europe,’ said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stressing the importance of Europe in achieving a lasting peace. He met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and agreed to continue ‘cooperation in strengthening Europe.’ The two leaders discussed joint steps toward achieving security guarantees and a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor, and comedian who has been the President of Ukraine since 2019.
Before entering politics, he was a popular TV show host and actor.
Zelenskyy's presidency began amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022.
He has led Ukraine through this crisis, advocating for international support and resistance against Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy's leadership has been marked by his commitment to democracy and territorial integrity.
The US’ determination to end the war in Ukraine was emphasized by US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, ‘We are committed to ending this war,’ he said. He suggested targeting Russian leader Vladimir Putin‘s oil revenues as part of talks aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The US Special Envoy for Ukraine is a diplomatic position responsible for facilitating negotiations and mediating conflicts between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed separatists.
Established in 2015, the role has been crucial in efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The envoy works closely with international organizations, including the OSCE and UN, to promote peace and stability in the region.
Recent envoys have included Kurt Volker and Ambassador Bill Taylor, who played key roles in negotiating the Minsk agreements.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stressed that the EU must provide financial support for common defense, ensuring it is fair for border countries not to bear a disproportionate burden. _’The EU could do more to support Ukraine,’ added Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson called for Ukraine to become an ally within Europe, with the possibility of joining both NATO and the European Union. He emphasized the importance of aligning the European position and American position to put pressure on Russia.
US Vice President JD Vance‘s speech sparked controversy among European leaders, who felt he had condemned their values of free speech and democracy. His implicit backing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was seen as an unprecedented intervention in domestic politics, just before German elections.
J.D. Vance is an American lawyer, venture capitalist, and author.
Born in 1984 in Middletown, Ohio, he grew up in a poor family that struggled with addiction.
He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point but was medically discharged after five years due to a pilonidal cyst.
Vance then graduated from Yale Law School and worked as a lawyer before becoming a venture capitalist.
His memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' details his upbringing and experiences growing up in poverty, which has been praised for its candid portrayal of the Appalachian region's struggles.
On the second day of the conference, hundreds of demonstrators protested in Munich, highlighting issues such as greater democracy, diversity, and disarmament. The protests were peaceful, with city authorities setting up a security zone around the Bayerischer Hof hotel where the conference was being held.
_French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that Europe must make sacrifices to ensure its security. He spoke about the need for difficult decisions and even sacrifices in the face of challenging times, following talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio**.
Switzerland’s President Karin Keller-Sutter shared many of the liberal values expressed by US Vice President JD Vance. She saw his speech as a ‘plea for direct democracy,’ urging calm and praising the liberal principle of defending shared values like freedom and free expression.
In a statement, the foreign ministers of the G7 group agreed to continue working together to secure a strong peace deal for Ukraine. They advocated for robust security guarantees, linking future sanctions on Russia to good-faith negotiations by Moscow.
The Munich Security Conference has been a platform for top diplomats from across Europe to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Amidst tensions and controversy, European leaders have emphasized their commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
