As of: February 17, 2024, 10:54 a.m
By: Florian Naumann
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Press
Split
Wars in Ukraine and Israel, NATO under Trump's fire - sensitive debates are taking place at the Munich Siko 2024.
News ticker.
Zelensky
declares at Ukraine's Siko
Avdiivka withdrawal
: “Our soldiers are people”
Scholz
receives tough questions on the Siko podium: Germany “sick man again”?
Söder
opens
Munich Siko
: With a warning of “shame” for the West and a swipe at Trump
In this
news ticker
we accompany Siko 2024 for you with on-site correspondent reports and current information.
Update from February 17th, 10:42 a.m.:
Over the past two hours there has been repeated talk of a possible “destruction” of the Baltic states or Poland by Vladimir Putin's Russia - Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has apparently heard enough: "We are not NATO states second class,” she emphasizes in the group with Stoltenberg and Ricketts.
An attack on one NATO country is an attack on all NATO countries.
She looked at the exact mileage: “They are much closer to war than we are,” she explains, looking at the Munich plenum.
Update from February 17th, 10:33 a.m.:
“We see no direct threat against a NATO member,” but there should be no room for Moscow to make “miscalculations,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made clear in the next panel: NATO must move forward are closed, then there will be no danger of an attack.
Fellow discussant Pete Ricketts, US Senator, initially responds to a question about new aid with an appeal to Europe: States still have to do “more”.
Not all countries are still meeting the two percent target, he complains.
In a democracy, however, it takes “time” to make decisions.
“I think we will get there,” he emphasizes when it comes to a new US aid package.
“If Putin wins in Ukraine, he will continue, he is a dictator,” Ricketts admits at the same time.
Munich Siko 2024: Scholz and Selenskyj in focus on Saturday
Update from February 17th, 10:25 a.m.:
With appearances by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Volodymyr Selenskyj, Saturday has already seen its first highlights at the Munich Siko.
In an urgent speech, Zelensky warned of a “global catastrophe” but also a possible “destruction” of the Baltic states or Poland if Vladimir Putin was not stopped.
Secret service circles are aware of these dangers.
He defended the withdrawal from Avdiivka as a “professional decision” to protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
“The threat from Russia is real,” emphasized Scholz.
At the same time, he referred to Ukraine's military successes and new unity and arms efforts in the NATO alliance.
But the Chancellor also had to listen to critical questions - such as how Germany, as a "sick man", could maintain its support.
He evasively answered an indirect appeal from the audience for Ukraine to join NATO before the end of the war.
Zelensky invites Trump to the Siko to the front in the Ukraine war
Update from February 17th, 10:18 a.m.:
He publicly invited Donald Trump to Ukraine, says Zelenskyj in response to a question from the audience.
He is ready to visit the front line with “Mr. Trump” at any time.
It is important to demonstrate what “the real war is”: “Not Instagram, the real war.”
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Update from February 17th, 10:15 a.m.:
The question of mobilization is “complex,” explains Zelensky.
It is also about the fact that frontline soldiers are exhausted.
“I cannot share the number of losses, the number of victims,” says Zelensky.
In Avdiivka the ratio of losses was approximately “one to seven”.
It's terrible to lose even a single person - "but we didn't start all this," he emphasizes.
Update from February 17th, 10:10 a.m.:
CNN
presenter
Amanpour wants to give Selenskyj the opportunity to send an appeal to the US Congress, where a new aid package is currently being debated.
“Are we on TV?” asks Zelenskyj – “then I won’t do that”.
He refers to the following personal conversations and thanks the USA for its help so far.
You will have to work as a “united team”.
Otherwise, Russia will “destroy” Ukraine, the Baltic states and also Poland.
“You can do that,” says Zelensky.
In 2014, Ukraine was not ready for war.
Today there is no country in the rest of Europe that is prepared for an “invasion”.
It's also about psychological effects.
Nobody prepared their country for an invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyj also spoke in Munich not in a suit, but in a sweater.
© Felix Hörhager/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 17th, 10:07 a.m.:
As soon as Russia no longer has air sovereignty, the situation will change, Zelensky indicates.
Where there are air defense systems, people return.
At the same time, Russia is withdrawing because it is losing its aircraft.
However, these defensive weapons are also in short supply - as are long-range artillery.
“A person fights against artillery – that’s not fair,” says Zelensky.
Russia will be able to “surprise” with new drone systems this year.
Zelensky declares at Ukraine's Siko Avdiivka withdrawal: "Our soldiers are people"
Update from February 17th, 10:03 a.m.:
Zelenskyy answered a question about the situation surrounding the withdrawal in Avdiivka clearly: It was a professional decision to protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
Weapons deliveries could only “help,” says Zelensky.
But the first and most important factor is people.
Russia has been attacking the city with thousands of soldiers since October.
“We don’t have long-range weapons, we don’t have enough of them,” says Zelensky.
“Our soldiers are people,” he emphasizes.
Update from February 17th, 10:01 a.m.:
Brief confusion on stage: Before the interview part of his performance, Zelenskyj puts on the headphones for simultaneous interpreting.
He explains that he has no signal.
“But I don’t need it,” he says after a brief praise for his English skills from presenter Christiane Amanpour.
He then keeps the receiver on.
“Putin is a monster”: Zelensky gives a fiery speech at the Munich Siko
Update from February 17, 9:58 a.m.:
“Please don’t ask Ukraine when the war will end.
Ask yourself why Putin is still able to continue it,” Zelensky concludes.
He also thanks those present for their support.
“May our rules-based world never become yesterday’s world.
Glory of Ukraine,” are his last words.
The Ukrainian president receives a standing ovation.
Update from February 17, 9:45 a.m.:
It has been shown that European air defense systems can repel any Russian weapon, emphasizes Zelensky.
With further support of this kind, it could be possible to bring “millions of people home”.
“We can win back our country and Putin can lose,” says the Ukrainian president.
“Putin's policy of controlled poverty has made human life in Russia worthless.
“In addition, Putin’s years of self-isolation and impunity have led to his absolute decline; he is now openly justifying Hitler,” says Zelensky, a reference to the Tucker Carlson interview.
“After the murder of Alexei Navalny, it is absurd to view Putin as the supposed legitimate head of the Russian state: he is a criminal who maintains his power through corruption and violence.”
Putin's "career" can only end in two ways, says Zelensky: in a trial in The Hague - or through the murder of one of the companions who are now "killing for Putin".
“We shouldn’t fear Putin’s defeat,” he emphasizes.
Putin is a “monster” who has wiped out thousands of lives in Ukraine – but has also “slaughtered” people in Chechnya or Syria and invaded Georgia.
Zelensky warns of global “catastrophe” at Siko: “Secret services are aware”
Update from February 17th, 9:36 a.m.:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj is now speaking to the audience in Munich.
“There is no one among us for whom the ongoing war in Europe is not a danger,” he says.
It is a war by Russia against any rule-based order.
The longer this continues, the greater the impact, warns Zelenskyj - up to and including a “global catastrophe”.
NATO Assistance Article 5 is more than ever not a question for Washington, but for the capitals in Europe, Zelensky states.
“The year 2024 demands a response from around the world.
If you don't act now, Putin will succeed in turning the next few years into a catastrophe, including for other nations." The secret services are aware of this.
However, Ukraine has refuted the myth that Russia can take over any country within a few days - as well as the myth that Ukraine is not a real state or that Russian weapons are superior to those of the West.
Update from February 17th, 9:32 a.m.:
The first question from the audience is also rather critical: Will Ukraine become a NATO member?
“And please don’t say you’ll think about it after the war!” Scholz refers to the successes so far in Ukraine’s defense campaign.
The decision of the NATO summit in Vilnius is crucial - the Chancellor briefly struggles for words.
The wording of the agreement is serious and can be trusted.
At that time it was said that an invitation to join would be issued if the requirements for membership were met.
Update from February 17th, 9:25 a.m.:
Scholz may – or must – also comment directly on Donald Trump.
What if Trump wins the 2024 US election?
First of all, we have to wait for the results, says the Chancellor.
At the same time, the connection between the United States and the EU is in better condition than ever before.
Indirectly, Scholz also seems to want to take the wind out of Trump's criticism of military spending.
Expenditures have increased significantly: Russia will find that it will not be able to keep up with the numbers of the strong economies.
Scholz receives tough questions on the Siko podium: Germany “sick man again”?
Update from February 17th, 9:19 a.m.:
The - albeit unconfirmed - news of Navalny's death depresses him, says Scholz in the following interview on the Siko stage.
The question arises as to whether these are signs of Putin's "weakness" or a usual pattern of the Kremlin leader's time in power.
“Both,” is Scholz’s own answer.
The second question from journalist Hadley Gamble is somewhat provocative: How can one help Ukraine if one is “once again the sick man of Europe”.
“That’s not who we are,” replies the Chancellor.
Germany has more people in work than ever before and, above all, needs more staff, and at the same time there is major investment.
As an export nation, the Federal Republic of course feels global problems.
Olaf Scholz during the question and answer session at Munich Siko 2024. © Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 17th, 9:14 a.m.:
Olaf Scholz also seems to want to confront Donald Trump.
In view of the war in Ukraine, NATO must be credible.
Only then will Putin understand that there will be no “dictated” peace.
But the alliance is more united than ever before.
Scholz refers to the turnaround special fund and the Bundeswehr support in Lithuania.
“Putin wanted to take Kiev in two weeks, and two years later Ukraine has recaptured more than half of the occupied territories,” emphasizes Scholz.
This is mainly thanks to the Ukrainian army.
The aid also made a contribution - that must be an “incentive” to continue to support the country resolutely.
Munich Siko starts day two: Scholz and Selenskyj live in the ticker
Update from February 17th, 9:08 a.m.:
Scholz primarily wants to comment on the war in Ukraine, as he says right at the beginning of his speech.
Many parts of the Russian army are intact, the Russian economy has long been operating in war mode, and Vladimir Putin has largely brought science, society and culture into line.
Scholz speaks of “outrageous news” about the death of Alexei Navalny.
The question is: “Are we doing enough to signal to Putin: We are in for the long haul.”
“The threat from Russia is real,” says Scholz, so one’s own ability to deter must be credible.
But they don't want a direct conflict;
Therefore, no soldiers will be sent to Ukraine.
But every square meter of the NATO alliance will be defended and the military will be further modernized.
The Chancellor also refers to the aid for Ukraine - for example the EU's 50 billion package or the admission of four million refugees to Germany.
Update from February 17th, 9:01 a.m.:
The main program of the second Siko day will begin in a few minutes.
The focus will initially be on two heavyweights: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Volodymyr Selenskyj will give speeches and answer questions.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia spoke publicly at the security conference.
Munich Siko, Day 1: Trump unspoken focus – new figures on aid to Ukraine
Update from February 16th, 4:45 p.m.:
Europe is currently leading the ranking of aid provided to Ukraine - and Germany takes a top spot in absolute numbers.
This emerges from a “Ukraine Tracker” from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), which was presented on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
The basis is new data that takes into account not only actual deliveries, but also aid allocations for the near future.
When it comes to total aid "allocations", Europe - the EU states plus the UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland - has been ahead of the USA since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine, explained researcher Christoph Trebesch at a press conference.
The United States is still the most important donor of military aid.
In absolute numbers, the Nordic countries and Germany are the most important providers of military aid within Europe, well ahead of the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy and France.
In terms of gross domestic product, Estonia and Denmark provided the most decisive support.
Trebesch also warned of a decline in support.
The “dynamics” in 2023 were lower than in the previous year – in the autumn there was almost a “collapse” of aid.
After the end of the recording period in January, there was at least some movement again.
Trump as an elephant in the Siko room: Kamala Harris points to Putin's losses
Update from February 16th, 3:15 p.m.:
A first interim conclusion after the Siko opening speeches: Shortly before a possible renewed US presidential candidacy, Donald Trump is the elephant in the main hall of the conference in the Bayerischer Hof.
Markus Söder already indirectly mentioned Trump's statements about NATO in his welcome speech.
US Vice President Kamala Harris almost seemed to be giving a campaign speech.
Their tenor: Only a global leadership role for the USA can ensure peace and freedom in the world - a withdrawal by the United States, on the other hand, is a threat to security and prosperity at home and abroad.
In particular, a cuddly course with “dictators” is dangerous.
Even though Harris didn't say the name "Trump," the reference was clear.
During his time in office, Trump had repeatedly positioned himself as a possible partner for Vladimir Putin, counted NATO and indicated that the USA would withdraw from its global role.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres broadened the focus.
In addition to wars and “chaos” and lawlessness all over the world, he also named the climate catastrophe and the dangers of AI and disinformation as key dangers.
Guterres explicitly condemned both Hamas' terror and “collective punishment” in the Gaza Strip.
The top UN official came under fire for statements on the subject at the start of the war in Israel and Gaza.
Meanwhile, numerous side events and panels are also running.
On the sidelines of an appointment, ex-CSU minister Andreas Scheuer defended
Söder's statements towards the Greens at the Political Ash Wednesday to
Merkur.de .
Update from February 16, 2:50 p.m.:
Harris refers to her first security conference two years ago: At that time, everyone assumed that Kiev would fall to Russian attack within a few days.
“Today Kiev stands safe and strong,” she emphasizes.
“Make no mistake: Putin’s war is already a frightening mistake for Russia,” she explains.
Russia had lost two-thirds of its tanks;
Because of Putin's ruthlessness, the country lost 300,000 soldiers.
A key to Ukraine's success was aid from the USA and Europe.
Economic sanctions also caused problems for the Kremlin.
“I will make it clear: President Joe Biden and I will stand with Ukraine,” Harris said.
NATO is the largest military alliance the world has seen.
“An attack on one is an attack on all,” she emphasizes.
After September 11th, the partners supported the USA in accordance with NATO Article 5.
Nevertheless, before Biden's term in office, "some questioned the importance of NATO" and wanted to withdraw US troops from Europe, recalls Harris;
another swipe at Donald Trump.
NATO is now stronger than before, especially on its eastern flank.
However, no achievement is irreversible.
The fight for peace and freedom must continue.
“In the case of Putin, this means that the whole of Europe is in danger,” if one state does not clearly oppose an attack on a sovereign neighboring country.
Kamala Harris during her speech shortly after the start of the Munich Siko 2024. © Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 16, 2:39 p.m.:
The Siko podium now belongs to US Vice President Kamala Harris.
She also first commented on the alleged death of Alexei Navalny: If the reports are confirmed, it would be further evidence of Vladimir Putin's brutality, she warns.
It is in the interest of the American people to continue to confirm US global “leadership,” emphasizes Harris – probably in an unspoken reference to Donald Trump.
Among other things, democratic values must be fought for, both in the world and internally.
Joe Biden's deputy almost seems to be giving a campaign speech: trying to "embrace" dictators is "dangerous, destabilizing and short-sighted."
“Our leadership keeps our people safe,” she emphasized.
The goal must be “stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific”.
Guterres sets the tone for Siko 2024: Nuclear, climate and AI threats
Update from February 16, 1:54 p.m.:
“We absolutely need a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine,” emphasizes Guterres.
The global peace architecture must also be strengthened.
“Security Council reform will be necessary, as will a new commitment to eliminating nuclear weapons,” he added.
“The truth is being suppressed in a world of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns,” says Guterres.
Anti-Semitism is spreading, as is racial discrimination.
Tech companies should refrain from profiting from this kind of hate, he says.
The global economy must “serve everyone” and national contributions to reducing CO2 emissions must now be implemented, are Guterres’ other key demands.
Update from February 16th, 1:50 p.m.:
UN Secretary General António Guterres now has the floor.
The world order is more fragmented than at any time in the past 70 years, he warns - even during the Cold War the situation was less dangerous.
In addition to nuclear dangers, there is also the climate crisis and the uncertainties of artificial intelligence.
A multipolar world also offers opportunities - but the transition to a new order could also bring chaos.
“That is why we must do everything we can to restore the rule of law,” emphasizes the head of the United Nations.
Millions of civilians are currently paying a “terrible price” and there are record numbers of displaced people.
Nothing can justify the actions of Hamas, but nothing can justify the “collective punishment” in Gaza, says Guterres, referring to the war in Israel.
At the moment, Rafah is the centerpiece of international aid, where refugees are fighting for their survival.
At the same time, only the release of the Hamas hostages would pave the way to a solution.
Update from February 16th, 1:42 p.m.:
Heusgen lists the sources of conflict in the world - including, in addition to the war in Ukraine and the fighting and humanitarian suffering in Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan and the situation of the Rohingya - but emphasizes an optimistic note: All These conflicts are man-made, so they can also be influenced by people;
the security conference is an opportunity for steps forward.
The solution can only lie in the rule of law and reconciliation, never in revenge.
Söder opens Munich Siko – with a warning of “shame” for the West and a swipe at Trump
Update from February 16th, 1:36 p.m.:
Markus Söder is the first politician to speak on the Siko main stage.
In 2024, the security conference, which started as a “military science conference,” will be “back to the roots,” says the Bavarian Prime Minister: it will once again be about freedom, security, defensiveness.
Söder refers to the disputes over aid to Ukraine: It would be a “shame” for the West and a “shabby thing” if Russia won the war of aggression because Ukraine did not receive enough ammunition.
At the same time, Söder emphasizes that NATO is “not a protection money community”;
a swipe at Donald Trump's recent statements.
The CSU leader also can’t resist a few classics: Berlin is beautiful, but Munich is “more beautiful,” he says.
There is also a “Star Wars” reference: you are on the “light side of the force,” emphasizes Söder: “May the force be with us.”
Markus Söder on Friday on the podium at the 60th Munich Security Conference.
© Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 16th, 1:35 p.m.:
Siko boss Christoph Heusgen begins his speech with words of mourning for the late Alexei Navalny.
According to Russian sources, the Putin critic who died was a “very special person,” says Heusgen.
Navalny's wife Julia actually wanted to take part in the conference - to talk about prospects for a better Russia.
Update from February 16th, 1:29 p.m.:
The 60th Munich Security Conference has been running since the morning with the first rounds of discussions - but the official starting signal will be given in a few minutes.
Then conference leader Christoph Heusgen and Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder will open the Siko.
Meanwhile, the first demonstrations are already taking place: on the edge of the conference area, on Munich's Odeonsplatz, the Iranian opposition protested against the regime in Tehran at midday.
Munich Siko: Head Heusgen wants to strengthen the “European NATO pillar” – and also talks about nuclear weapons
Update from February 16, 9:28 a.m.:
Immediately before the start of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSK), conference leader Christoph Heusgen emphasized the importance of the “European pillar of NATO”.
“It is true that we in Europe are making a lot more effort to ensure our own security,” said Heusgen on Friday in the
ARD “Morgenmagazin”
when asked about former US President Donald Trump’s statement that NATO would default if he were re-elected. Not wanting to defend allies.
“Here we should definitely respond to the French President’s offer to talk about the French nuclear force” and at the same time “include the British,” who are also a nuclear power, said Heusgen.
The “European pillar of NATO” must exist “in addition to the alliance and American capabilities”.
Heusgen betonte, alle europäischen Mitglieder müssten das Zwei-Prozent-Ziel für Verteidigung einhalten. „Wir müssen als Nato-Partner zusammenhalten, wir müssen alle unseren Beitrag leisten, weil wir damit auch den europäischen Pfeiler der Nato stützen“, forderte er. Heusgen sagte im Morgenmagazin, es gebe derzeit eine „ungewöhnliche Häufung von Krisen“. Dies sei „ein Grund mehr, zusammenzukommen“, um nach Auswegen zu suchen.
Siko in München: Es geht um die Ukraine, Gaza und Trumps Nato-Aussagen
Vorbericht: München – Wie man es nun auch nennen mag, MSC, Sicherheitskonferenz oder kurz „Siko“: Das Treffen von Spitzen- und Verteidigungspolitikern, Diplomaten, NGOs und Rüstungsvertretern feiert 2024 Jubiläum. Zum 60. Mal trifft man sich in München. Fröhlichkeit ist aber nicht zu erwarten. Russlands Ukraine-Krieg, Kämpfe und humanitäre Not in Gaza und nun auch noch eine mittelschwere Nato-Krise überschatten den Termin.
Bei der Münchner Siko 2024 sind unter anderem Wang Yi, Kamala Harris und Wolodymyr Selenskyj (v.l.) vor Ort. © Montage: Imago/dpa/picture-alliance/Imagebroker/Hannes P. Albert/Sven Hoppe/Peter Kneffel/fn
In Sachen Krieg in Israel hofft Konferenzchef Christoph Heusgen auf Gespräche abseits der Podien: Vertreter aus Israel, Palästina und dem arabischen Raum sind in München dabei. In Sachen Ukraine ist die Lage an der diplomatischen Front noch düsterer. Zwar reist Wolodymyr Selenskyj zur Siko an. Doch Vertreter Russlands sind – ebenso wie die des Iran – nicht willkommen. Für konstruktive Gespräche mit beiden Regierungen gibt es laut Heusgen derzeit keine Grundlage.
Siko startet in München: Selenskyj ist dabei – Biden schickt Kamala Harris
Also wird vor allem über Russland gesprochen werden. Die Auswahl an Ministern, Staats- und Regierungschefs ist aber groß. Laut Heusgen nehmen „mehr als 180 hochrangige Regierungsvertreter“ an der Siko teil. Die Eröffnungsrede hält UN-Chef António Guterres. Die detaillierte Teilnehmerliste blieb einmal lange geheim. Allerdings kursieren Berichte über die Anreise von Politik-Promis aus vielen der mächtigeren Nationen. China hatte 2023 mit einer Friedensiniative für die Ukraine überrascht.
- USA: Vizepräsidentin Kamala Harris
- China: Außenminister Wang Yi
- Deutschland: u.a. Kanzler Olaf Scholz, Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock, Verteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius
- Israel: Präsident Jitzchak Herzog, Außenminister Israel Katz
- Ukraine: Wolodymyr Selenskyj
Weiteren Zündstoff lieferten Aussagen des möglichen US-Präsidentschaftskandidaten Donald Trump, rüstungsausgabenfaule Nato-Partner Russland zum Fraß vorzuwerfen. Nato-Chef Jens Stoltenberg – regelmäßiger Gast der Siko – wird auch am Wochenende in München unter Druck stehen, jegliche Zweifel an der Festigkeit des Bündnisses zu zerstreuen. Zudem lahmt aktuell die Militärhilfe der USA für die Ukraine.
However, the crisis issues are not limited to the two most prominent sources, Ukraine and Israel.
In the annual security report, the Siko makers warn of a global “lose-lose situation” in view of the global risks of conflict.
Crises in Somalia, Sudan and Haiti are also on the agenda – and the topic of “climate security”.
Siko 2024 in the Ukraine and Israel wars: a state of emergency in world politics - and at the Bavarian Court
The Siko is a feat of strength for the security forces in Munich.
In view of a record number of participants and an enlarged security zone, the police are planning a major operation with more than 5,000 emergency services.
Police Vice President Michael Dibowski spoke of “increased abstract danger” due to the geopolitical situation.
However, there is no information about specific threats.
A large number of demonstrations, protests and rallies are also planned.
The peace movement meets on Saturday at Stachus and plans to “encircle” the Bayerischer Hof.
On the same day, people from Ukraine also want to demonstrate at Odeonsplatz - an alliance with close ties to the lateral thinker scene is also taking to the streets again.
Last year, German-Russian flags could be seen there and tirades could be heard directed at the invaded Ukraine.
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