Ischinger promises 'Security Conference of Superlatives' - Munich Security Conference 2024 Gathers Record Leaders Amid Ukraine's Push for NATO and EU Support
The Munich Security Conference 2024 is set to break attendance records this year. Running from February 13 to 15 in Munich, the event will bring together over 65 heads of state and government. Organisers also expect more than 98 foreign and defence ministers, alongside a large delegation from the United States.
Among the high-profile attendees, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join discussions. The conference chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, has called for 'Europe's awakening' and hopes for concrete decisions on pressing security challenges.
This year's conference marks a shift in focus for Ukraine's security priorities. After years of deterrence efforts, the country now emphasises active defence measures. Key demands include accelerated NATO membership, sustained Western military aid—such as tanks, HIMARS, and fighter jets—and deeper integration with the EU.
On the international stage, NATO has expanded eastward with Finland and Sweden joining in 2023 and 2024. The US and its allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia while coordinating military support through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Billions in financial and humanitarian aid have also flowed into Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UN and International Court of Justice continue documenting alleged war crimes, while Russia's territorial claims remain unrecognised by most nations.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) will attend for the first time, outlining his government's security policy agenda. The US delegation will feature Secretary of State Marco Rubio, replacing last year's representative, Vice President J.D. Vance. Notably, no Russian officials have been invited to or are expected at the event.
Over 50 US senators and members of the House of Representatives will also participate. The conference aims to address ongoing conflicts, defence strategies, and global security cooperation in an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate.
The Munich Security Conference 2024 will gather an unprecedented number of world leaders and policymakers. Decisions made during the event could shape future military aid, alliance strategies, and responses to ongoing conflicts. The absence of Russian representation underscores the deep divisions in global security discussions.
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