Commentary: The Munich conference gave Ukraine unprecedented attention

The Munich Security Conference (MSC) in 2026 marked a significant moment for global security, transatlantic relations, and especially Ukraine. Titled “Ukraine Won in Munich,” this analysis by Sergiy Sydorenko, chief editor of European Pravda, highlights how the event shifted focus amid ongoing tensions.

Exactly one year earlier, the conference had been a turning point when U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance declared that Europe and the United States no longer shared common values. That speech shocked attendees, and subsequent U.S. policy proved even harsher, peaking with the Greenland crisis in late January – which abruptly deflated without clear explanation. Expectations were high for Washington’s next move.

This year, the U.S. sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio instead of the controversial Vance – a seemingly positive signal. Rubio played the “good cop,” emphasizing America’s desire for friendship with Europe, the need to rebuild trust (severely damaged under Donald Trump), and claiming Trump deeply respects and cares for the continent. Yet few in Munich appeared convinced by these reassurances.

Rubio framed Trump’s reforms as ultimately beneficial for Europe, insisting the U.S. and Europe form a single Western civilization bound by history and culture. He urged recognition that past liberal policies were mistaken and called for joint reconstruction. While delivered politely – with applause in places – the message aligned fully with Trump’s line: Europe must abandon “rules-based order” primacy, drop certain liberal values, and meet demands like higher defence spending (already underway) alongside less palatable ones.

The tone softened, but the substance remained unchanged, leaving Europeans feeling trapped in a “toxic relationship” – threats one moment, sudden professions of affection the next.

Strikingly, the Greenland issue – the transatlantic crisis’s flashpoint – was barely mentioned in major speeches by Rubio, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, or others. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen later affirmed Trump’s annexation ambitions persist, rejecting concessions on sovereignty. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius dismissed U.S. security pretexts as insincere. Europe appeared to have awakened: no one buys the official narrative, yet leaders avoided direct confrontation to preserve fragile balance.

Recent Pentagon assurances – U.S. commitment to NATO, Article 5, and the nuclear umbrella – offered some relief ahead of Munich. Still, the continent prepares for the worst, accelerating defence buildup. Merz declared Europe must “flip the mental switch,” noting Russia’s GDP is roughly one-tenth the EU’s yet poses outsized threat due to Europe’s unreadiness. Germany vows to make the Bundeswehr Europe’s strongest conventional force, enhance intelligence (reducing U.S. reliance), and consider stronger nuclear deterrence – leaving Germany’s role ambiguous.

Long-term goals aside, the immediate priority was Ukraine. The conference gave Ukraine unprecedented attention from organizers and European leaders alike.

President Zelenskyy’s speech showed notable rhetorical evolution. He walked back earlier criticisms of Europe (from Davos) and retracted claims that delayed European aid left Kyiv’s power plants vulnerable. This shift was widely noticed, signalling a more conciliatory tone.

French President Macron delivered the most visionary address, framing Ukraine as Europe’s existential challenge – “today, tomorrow, and the day after.” He highlighted Europe’s massive support: €170 billion in aid, weapons, sanctions, and near-monopoly on military financing for Kyiv amid wavering U.S. engagement. Macron urged not underestimating these efforts while pushing Europe to withstand pressures from Russia, China, and even the U.S.

Discussions also spotlighted Ukraine’s EU path. At the Pinchuk Foundation’s “Ukrainian lunch,” European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos openly stated that Ukraine’s accession to the EU in 2027 cannot be ruled out. Given the European Commission’s usual restraint on such sensitive timelines, this statement can only signal one thing: discussions on reforming the EU’s enlargement system have moved beyond deadlock, and concrete work on new procedures has begun.

Several EuroPravda sources on the sidelines of the Munich meeting confirmed that the process had indeed started. Several European leaders cautiously but publicly expressed support for accelerated accession as a strategic imperative tied to security.

However, it is crucial to avoid premature euphoria. Significant obstacles remain, including political resistance. Not all European leaders back the idea in principle—in Munich, the head of government of one key EU state told journalists off the record that he does not see the possibility of fixing any accession date in advance.

Overall, Munich underscored Europe’s growing strategic autonomy. Amid U.S. unpredictability and Russian aggression, the continent prioritizes bolstering defences and supporting Ukraine as the frontline. The conference’s Ukraine-centric focus – despite transatlantic strains – signalled a win for Kyiv in rallying European resolve.

A longer version in Ukrainian of this analysis can be found here.

Caption: (L-R) Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, Minister President of Bavaria Markus Soeder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Munich Security Conference (MSC) chairman Wolfgang Ischinger give a statement before the Ewald von Kleist Award ceremony at the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), in Munich, Germany, 14 February 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accepts the Ewald von Kleist Prize on behalf of the Ukrainian people. EPA/RONALD WITTEK