The biggest risk is if Putin wins: the results of the second day of the Munich conference
Russia’s war in Ukraine and the West’s joint actions against Putin became the main topics of the Munich Security Conference, which takes place from February 17 to 19 in Germany.
On the second day of the event, world leaders recognized that the Russian Federation is committing crimes against humanity, and that Ukraine needs even greater military support.
Main statements regarding Ukraine
During her speech, US Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized that “Russian forces are conducting large-scale and systematic attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine.”
– We studied the evidence. We know the legal standards. And there is no doubt that these are crimes against humanity. Their actions are an encroachment on our common values, an encroachment on our common humanity, she said.
Harris assured that the Biden administration will continue to help Ukraine in the investigation of alleged crimes, and all those responsible will be brought to justice.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called on the Allies to increase the production of ammunition for Ukraine.
In particular, she supported the proposal to apply the EU arms procurement mechanisms, which worked for the procurement of medical drugs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
– We can, for example, consider early procurement agreements that would allow the defense industry to invest in production lines to speed up and increase the volumes they can deliver. We cannot wait months and years for the opportunity to replenish (ammunition stocks – Ed.) and also deliver to Ukraine, she added.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a similar appeal to the participants of the Munich Conference, who called for increasing defense assistance to Ukraine and providing it with “modern capabilities that meet NATO standards.”
– Together we must help Ukraine protect its cities from Russian bombs and Iranian drones, and therefore Britain will be the first country to provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons, he said.
According to the official, Britain is working with allies to provide Ukraine with the most advanced air defense system and help build the air force needed to defend the nation.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s plans have not changed and he does not seek peace.
Therefore, Stoltenberg called to provide Ukraine with everything necessary for victory as a sovereign, independent state in Europe.
– Some fear that our support for Ukraine may lead to the risk of escalation. Let me be clear: there are no risk-free options here, but the biggest risk is if Putin wins. It will make the world more dangerous and us more vulnerable. Therefore, supporting Ukraine is in our common security interests, he said.
Zelenskyy on the supply of weapons
In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had received important signals from its allies regarding the supply of long-range missiles and other weapons.
He emphasized that the topic of Ukrainian victory dominated the discussions at the Munich Conference.
– There are important statements of world leaders in support of our state, there are also signals about the strengthening of weapons for our defense. This applies, in particular, to long-range missiles, other weapons, and the long-term support of Ukraine. I am grateful to all the leaders for their support and for what happened yesterday. And for the signals that were in Munich today, – he said.
The head of state said that the signals that were sounded in Munich confirm that “Russian aggression will have only one final, namely the defeat of the terrorist state.”
– We must do everything to speed up the Russian defeat. The pressure of the world should be such that Russia does not have time to find new forms of terror, – Zelenskyy emphasized.
Demonstration in support of Ukraine
Thousands of people gathered in the center of Munich today to support Ukraine. The massive demonstration took place in Odeonsplatz, not far from the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, where the Munich Security Conference is being held.
The participants of the action demanded to provide weapons to Ukraine, and also emphasized that as a result of the massive Russian attacks, Ukrainians are forced to be without electricity, heat and water.
China’s Calls for Peace and North Korea’s Courage
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi appealed to the participants of the Munich Conference for peace and dialogue.
– I suggest everyone to start thinking calmly, especially our European friends, about the efforts we can make to stop the war, – he said.
According to the minister, China plans to propose a peace plan for Ukraine.
At the same time, the United States is concerned about “alarming” trends in China’s support for the Russian Armed Forces, writes CNN citing its own sources.
– We are concerned that Beijing has deepened its relations with Moscow since the beginning of the war. Looking ahead, any moves by China to provide lethal support to Russia will only reward aggression, continue killings and further undermine the rules-based order, Kamala Harris said in Munich.
Officials said the U.S. is watching China try to publicly portray itself as a proponent of peace and supportive relations with Europe, while quietly aiding Russia in military operations and considering lethal aid.
South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Russia’s attack on Ukraine gave North Korea courage.
– Russia’s armed attack on Ukraine and the world’s attention to the war in Europe, as we have seen, embolden the regime of Kim Jong-un in North Korea due to aggressive missile launches, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, Park said during a speech in Munich.
Park said that North Korea “has resumed ballistic missile tests after a nearly 50-day hiatus, which indicates its intention to carry out additional provocations.”
The US government also said North Korea had test-fired a long-range ballistic missile on Saturday, calling it “a flagrant violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions”.
