Ukraine crisis casts shadow over Munich conference
The Munich Security Conference discusses the Ukraine crisis, and its participants accuse Moscow of working on undermining European security and warn Moscow from launching military operations against Ukraine.
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The 58th International Munich Security Conference began in Germany today.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen accused Russia on Saturday of “trying to undermine the European security architecture," and of attempting to “rewrite the rules of the international order.”
Von der Leyen also said during the Munich Security Conference that this cannot be allowed to happen. She also condemned the Russian-Chinese alliance, saying “They prefer the rule of the strongest to the rule of law, intimidation instead of self-determination, coercion instead of cooperation."
We are facing a blatant attempt by Russia to rewrite the rules of our international system.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 19, 2022
But we still hope that peace will prevail and that diplomacy will take us there.
This is how Europe supports this effort. #MSC2022 https://t.co/jikx9o20zw
The President of the EU Commission also stressed that the Russian forces spread on the borders with Ukraine are "the largest build-up of troops on European soil since the darkest days of the Cold War," and added that "the events of these days could reshape the entire international order.”
Referencing the sanctions that may be imposed on Moscow if it launches an attack on Ukraine, she declared that this may cost Russia a prosperous future.
Stoltenberg: Russia trying to re-establish its sphere of influence
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who was next to von der Leyen, said that for the first time, "we now see Beijing joining Moscow in calling on NATO to stop admitting new members" in what he called an attempt "to control the fate of free nations."
Stoltenberg also warned Russia that if its aim is to have "less NATO" on its borders, "it will only get more NATO," adding that Moscow is "attempting to roll back history and recreate its spheres of influence," but all NATO allies will stand as one will do what is necessary to protect and defend each other.
Johnson: Russians have provoked concerns among our allies
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared in the conference that the Russian build-up will not deter NATO from retaliating if Moscow attacks Ukraine.
He also noted that Russia's measures are a source of concern for Ukraine.
Harris: Russia may use false-flag attack
US Vice President Kamala Harris said that Russia is looking for an excuse to invade Ukraine.
During the conference, Harris said that the US is receiving reports that assert that Russia may use a false-flag attack to justify an attack on Ukraine.
She also noted that Washington will "the US together with our allies and partners will impose significant and unprecedented economic cost."
"We have prepared together economic measures that will be swift, severe and united… We will impose far-reaching financial sanctions and export controls. We will target Russia's financial institutions and key industries and we will target those who are complicit and those who aid and abet this unprovoked invasion," Harris added.
