The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, commented on the Munich Security Conference, highlighting a somber mood that contrasted with the West’s prior optimism about Ukraine. The remarks appeared in an official statement issued by the Russian diplomatic agency’s website.
The conference, held February 16 to 18, marked its 60th edition as world leaders and security experts gathered to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine and to assess strategies to prevent a military crisis from escalating further. Zakharova described the event as underscoring a sense of fatigue and cautious restraint among participants, suggesting that the political atmosphere did not reflect the earlier confidence some Western governments had expressed regarding Ukraine’s trajectory.
According to Zakharova, the mood at the gathering echoed concerns about potential delays or setbacks in the support framework for Ukrainian forces. She stated that there was little sign of renewed enthusiasm from Western partners, and she emphasized that the discussions largely centered on avoiding strategic missteps rather than celebrating any immediate breakthroughs. The official message conveyed through the ministry’s channels framed the conference as a moment of sober assessment rather than a turning point in the conflict.
During the conference, attention also turned to a moment involving Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba. Reports described an incident in which Kuleba, live on air during a Ukrainian broadcast, briefly lit a cigarette. Viewers and commentators noted that the moment occurred after a question about the schedule for future meetings by Kyiv’s delegation, with observers interpreting it as a sign of tension or distraction amid the ongoing discussions. The situation was discussed widely in diplomatic circles and media coverage, illustrating how live broadcasts can become focal points for interpretation during high-stakes conferences.
Earlier, the Georgian Foreign Ministry voiced concerns about perceived bias in the event’s organizing and/or presentation processes. The accusation touched on questions of fairness and representation in the conference’s program, stirring debate among regional observers about how such forums handle diverse perspectives and the framing of security debates. The broader implication of these remarks pointed to ongoing scrutiny of international forums as they host multiple national viewpoints on Ukraine, NATO outreach, and European security guarantees.