Ukraine's Zelenskyy at MSC: Putin is a 'slave to war'
Deutsche Welle
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a strong appeal at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), urging Western allies to accelerate weapons deliveries to his country. He emphasized the urgent need for anti-aircraft missiles, particularly to protect Ukraine's power supply during the harsh winter and amid ongoing Russian airstrikes. Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia had launched approximately 6,000 combat drones in January alone, underscoring the intensity of attacks and the criticality of immediate support.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed Zelenskyy's call, stating that Ukraine needed continued backing to remain strong in its fight against Russia. Rutte also revealed that NATO members had pledged hundreds of millions of dollars under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which focuses on acquiring military equipment from the U.S. for Ukraine. Nine out of 10 anti-aircraft missiles currently in use by Ukraine have been procured through this program.
Zelenskyy also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power was tied to war, describing him as a "slave to war" who might target other European nations if left unchecked. This sentiment was shared by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who expressed concerns about Russia's potential expansion beyond Ukraine. Zelenskyy further criticized the U.S. for hesitations in providing aid and highlighted the importance of upcoming Geneva talks to achieve a meaningful peace.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with no end to the conflict in sight. Zelenskyy's remarks at MSC underscored the critical role of international support in defending against Russia's aggression. As global leaders grapple with how to respond to Putin's actions, the stakes for Europe and beyond could not be higher.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/14/2026