Ukraine crisis dominates discussions at Munich Security Conference

Second day of gathering held amid growing alarm over possible Russian invasion

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  US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in Munich, southern Germany, where she will attend the Munich Security Conference. AFP

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  German and US flags on a car that will transport Ms Harris from the airport. AFP

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  The question of whether Russia will invade Ukraine is hanging over the conference. AFP

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  Journalists, staff and other attendees queue for Covid-19 tests in Munich on February 17. The conference takes place from February 18 to 20. AFP

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  A drain cover is sealed as part of security measures. EPA

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  A police vehicle in front of the Bayerischer Hof hotel, where the conference will take place. EPA

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  Police officers and a dog patrol in front of the Bayerischer Hof hotel. EPA

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  US Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Reuters

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  Mr Guterres addresses the audience at the conference. EPA

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  Designated Munich Security Conference Chairman Christoph Heusgen addresses the crowds. AFP

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  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the 58th Munich Security Conference. AP

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  German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, right, waits for the speaker's desk to be cleaned. EPA

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  Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, right, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Battsetseg Batmunkh. EPA

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  American business magnate Bill Gates. Reuters

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  Ms Harris addresses a multilateral meeting with the Estonian prime minister, the Latvian president and the Lithuanian president. AFP

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  From left: Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Latvian President Egils Levits, Ms Harris and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. AFP

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  Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. AFP

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  German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht. EPA

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  Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. EPA

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  Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry. UAE

While the opening day of the Munich Security Conference was dominated by discussions on the possible ramifications of war in Ukraine, day two will not be much different.

The developments over the past 24 hours, with both US President Joe Biden’s statements that his Russian counterpart is intent on invading Ukraine and news of military escalation picking up pace there, were top of mind of diplomats and officials gathered in Germany.

On Friday, German diplomacy was on the stage as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock gave a keynote speech and stressed that dialogue was the preferred route with Russia but that “solidarity” with Ukraine was unwavering. And while US officials are quite combative in their tone on Russia, German diplomats are eager to work towards a de-escalation. In meetings with diplomats and military personnel on the sidelines of the conference, the German line was firm on Ukraine but even firmer on the need to avoid war in Europe. However, considerations about energy sources, including Nordstream 2, are also top of mind for the Germans. As for the Americans, Vice President Kamala Harris is due to speak in Munich and re-assert her country’s commitment to European security.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock delivers her speech on the opening day of the Munich Security Conference on February 18, 2022. AFP

Despite the overwhelming focus on Ukraine, whose president is due to travel to Munich but may cancel due to fears of an invasion, there are a host of other discussions and meetings. A number of panels are intended to stimulate debate on key issues including climate action, security in the Sahel and how to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic. The second day of the conference got under way with a host of closed-door meetings tackling challenges to the current international order, particularly issues of impunity and challenges to democratic systems of government.

The Middle East is represented in force with a number of ministers but less so in terms of major significance, with Ukraine being the central geopolitical issue of concern.

From the Arab world, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in addition to Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. For the UAE, climate diplomacy is in the lead with the Emirates' Climate Envoy and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Al Mheiri participating.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdoluhain is due to speak and he comes to Munich buoyed with news of a possible nuclear deal. The US appears even more compelled to announce a "diplomatic win" at a time when its diplomacy is particularly challenged.