“February 24, 2022 could have meant the end of the world we know, a world full of rules to protect life” and “2024 must be the time to fully restore a rules-based world order.” This is what the Ukrainian president said Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Munich Security Conference. “Russia not following the rules must be a thing of the past. We can ensure this not by doing anything, but by doing whatever is necessary,” he added.
“Putin only has two options: end up in The Hague (at the International Criminal Court) or be killed by one of the people around him who are now killing for him.”
“We need to make security a reality again. The year 2024 requires a response from all of us. If we don’t act, Putin will make the next few years catastrophic for other nations too,” Zelensky said.
“Putin kills whoever he wants, be it an opposition leader or someone he sees as a target,” the Ukrainian president added. “After the death of Navalny, it is absurd to consider Putin the legitimate leader of the Russian state, he is a criminal who maintains power through force and violence.
The Ukrainian army's withdrawal from the city of Avdiivka was a “right decision” to “save as many lives as possible” as Ukrainian soldiers struggled to withstand the onslaught of Russian troops. “It was a logical, correct and professional decision to save as many lives as possible,” Zelensky said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the war in Ukraine in a speech at the Munich Security Conference as “Putin's strategic debacle for Russia”, which is now “weaker”.
On the eve of the second anniversary of “brutal Russian aggression against Ukraine,” G7 foreign ministers reaffirmed “their unwavering determination to continue to support Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.” , and “expressed their determination to continue to coordinate with partners to provide military, financial, political, humanitarian, economic and development support to Ukraine and its people and to strengthen sanctions against Russia.” This can be read in the statement by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the end of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Munich, which was also attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba.
In a document, “we also issued a clear message not to exceed certain limits in space after receiving news of possible space-nuclear initiatives by Russia,” Tajani said in a press conference at the Munich Security Conference.
On the subject of arms deliveries to Ukraine: “Let’s do what we can. Parliament has approved the eighth aid package and I believe that this package will be in Ukraine in these days,” said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. “Let’s do what we have to do as Italy to support Ukraine,” he added.
Von der Leyen, if I am re-elected, I will be appointed EU Defense Commissioner
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has said that if she is re-confirmed in her position, she will appoint an EU Commissioner for Defense. Von der Leyen made this statement at a meeting at the Munich Security Conference.
Asked whether the European Commission will have a defense commissioner and whether he will come from Central Europe, von der Leyen replied to applause: “Yes, when I am the next Commission president, I will appoint a defense commissioner. I think that's reasonable. Where he or she comes from remains (an) open question, but of course I think it is very important for Central and Eastern European countries to have good portfolios, and this is a good portfolio.”
Tajani “endorses EU Defense Commissioner’s proposal”
Tajani, signed agreements to support the Ukrainian energy sector
As part of his participation in the Munich Security Conference, Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani signed today several agreements with which our country will support the Ukrainian energy sector. The Deputy Prime Minister said: “Italy has stood with Ukraine since the beginning of Russian aggression and today we reaffirm our readiness to help our Ukrainian friends including in the strategic area of energy infrastructure. A support that we will also bring with Italy Presidency of the G7, which will continue to focus on Ukraine, and with the Conference on Reconstruction of Ukraine that Italy will host in 2025. The agreements signed today by Minister Tajani, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso establish the terms of a subsidized loan of 100 million euros from resources of the Rotating Fund for Cooperation to Development, managed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (Cdp). With these funds, Italy will support Ukrhydroenergo, the largest Ukrainian hydroelectric company. The Italian loan will be part of a program totaling 200 million euros – the remaining 100 million euros will be provided directly by the EBRD – for the benefit of the Ukrainian state-owned company. Tajani also signed a framework agreement with EBRD President Renaud-Basso for possible new initiatives in areas of common interest, including African countries where the EBRD will expand its activities. It could serve as a model for possible similar partnerships with other international financial institutions, in line with the spirit of the Mattei Plan.
Stoltenberg: “Important” that the USA approves aid for Ukraine
“There is a vital and urgent need for the US to decide on a package for Ukraine because Kiev needs this support,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the Munich Security Conference.
Tajani: “G7 calls on Moscow not to exceed limits in space”
In a document by Minister Antonio Tajani at the conclusion of the informal G7 foreign affairs meeting in Munich, “we also gave a clear message not to exceed certain limits in space after receiving news of possible nuclear space initiatives by Russia,” said he Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at a press conference at the Munich Security Conference.
In the Middle East, the G7 want to “guarantee the security of the State of Israel, we demand the immediate release of the hostages, “We are working to de-escalate and call for a cessation of fighting, both to ensure the release of the hostages and to obtain assistance for civilians who are victims of Hamas,” Tajani said.
For the Middle East, “the only possible solution is that of two peoples and two states, we say that very clearly to everyone.” – said the Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Munich conference -. It is obvious that there are those who do not want this goal to be achieved, but we want peace and an end to this slaughter, which has led to the death of thousands of people, Israeli and Palestinian civilians. This slaughter must stop.
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