Munich Security Conference Honors Zelenskyy and Scholar for Courage and Research
The Munich Security Conference has announced two major awards for 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will receive the Ewald von Kleist Award in recognition of his nation’s resilience. Meanwhile, researcher Lucas Hellemeier will be honoured for his work on transatlantic security with the John McCain Dissertation Prize.
The awards highlight both academic contributions and the enduring struggle of Ukraine against ongoing aggression. The Ewald von Kleist Award will go to President Zelenskyy for the unwavering determination of the Ukrainian people. Despite relentless Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and harsh winter conditions, their resolve to defend freedom has not weakened. The prize also honours the many lives lost or forever altered by the war.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday evening at Munich’s Residenz palace. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is set to deliver the laudatory speech, underscoring the international support for Ukraine’s fight.
Lucas Hellemeier, a researcher at Freie Universität Berlin, will receive the John McCain Dissertation Prize for his study of transatlantic relations. His work examines cooperation between Europe and North America, with a particular focus on the defence industry. The award celebrates outstanding dissertations that advance understanding of shared security challenges. The 2026 awards will bring together leaders, scholars, and allies to acknowledge both intellectual contributions and real-world courage. Zelenskyy’s recognition reflects Ukraine’s ongoing resistance, while Hellemeier’s prize spotlights critical research on global security. The ceremony will serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of transatlantic solidarity.
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