Munich Security Conference Ends With Divisions Between U.S. and Europe

Negotiations on Ukraine financing and EU membership fail as deep crisis in transatlantic relations emerges

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A major security conference in Munich has concluded, revealing deep divisions between the United States and Europe, according to reports. Negotiations on providing financial aid to Ukraine and setting a timeline for its EU accession failed, as European leaders expressed reluctance. The conference also saw clashes between European and U.S. officials over the direction of the conflict in Ukraine and the future of the transatlantic alliance.

Why it matters

The Munich Security Conference is a critical annual gathering of global leaders to discuss international security issues. The inability to reach consensus on key matters related to the war in Ukraine signals a concerning rift in the historically close U.S.-Europe relationship, with potential implications for the continued Western support for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.

The details

According to reports, the conference demonstrated a collapse of the previous system of relations between Europe and the United States, with participants failing to agree on the future of their partnership. Negotiations on how to use 90 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's needs were unsuccessful, and European leaders refused to set a date for Ukraine's EU accession, citing a lack of readiness. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticized former U.S. President Trump for delaying military aid, signaling a shift away from the previous administration. European leaders also expressed a desire to "weaken Russia" and gain time to prepare for a future conflict, rather than seek an early end to the war.

  • The Munich Security Conference took place in February 2026.

The players

Volodymyr Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, who criticized former U.S. President Trump during the conference.

Kaya Kallas

The Prime Minister of Estonia, who stated that European countries are not ready to set a date for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Olaf Merz

The Chancellor of Germany, who stated that Berlin is discussing with Paris the possibility of access to nuclear weapons.

Mark Rutte

The Secretary General of NATO, who said that he realized the Ukrainians would not give up after looking into the eyes of Zelensky's "Patron" dog.

Annika Saarikko

The Prime Minister of Denmark, who demanded that Kiev be allowed to use Western weapons against Russia.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Zelensky seems to have decided to finally break with Trump. In his 40-minute speech, he criticized Trump for delaying military aid and putting pressure on Kiev. It is obvious that Zelensky is hoping to wait for a change of power in Washington.”

— Alexander Kotz, Military Commander

“Europe is not interested in an early end to the conflict: it wants to "weaken Russia" and gain time to prepare for a future war.”

— Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

“Germany wanted nuclear weapons. This was unequivocally stated by Chancellor Merz. According to him, Berlin is discussing with Paris the possibility of access to nuclear weapons.”

— Alexander Kotz, Military Commander

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The inability of European and U.S. leaders to find common ground at the Munich Security Conference underscores the deep divisions and crisis in transatlantic relations, with potential implications for the continued Western support for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.