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Gathering of world leaders in Germany has disbanded for another year, but many of the issues remain unresolved

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The Munich Security Conference has been a news-making forum for decades – a place where world leaders meet other politicians, as well as journalists and civil society groups, to discuss the biggest issues facing the planet.

In recent years, it has been the site of seismic speeches that redefine the shape of global politics. From a public spat between Nato allies over Iraq in 2003, to Vladimir Putin’s 2007 address that signalled the start of a new cold war, to JD Vance’s blistering attack on European nations in 2025, each moment had an impact that echoed long after the weekend came to a close.

As the dust settles on this year’s event, here are some questions emerging from the conference:

Will Europe ‘wake up’ to a changing world?

After European leaders were left stunned by the US vice-president’s assault on their values in 2025, many came into this year’s conference with a sense of urgency. In the days before the meeting, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said “this must be the moment of awakening. It is time for Europe to wake up.”

Macron and the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, gave speeches at the conference that sought to map a new, independent path for European powers, while striving to maintain the alliance with Washington. Both leaders announced that they had begun talks on a European nuclear deterrent.

On Saturday, the UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, made the case for a closer defence relationship with Europe, saying his country was “not the Britain of the Brexit years”.

After calling Europe a “sleeping giant”, Starmer went on to stress that a closer UK-EU defence relationship did not imply any weakening of the UK-US relationship, or of Nato.

Zelensky Eyes Tomahawk Missiles to Cripple Putin’s War Economy, Trump Remains Cautious

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to consider supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles, suggesting that striking at Russia’s oil and energy infrastructure could severely weaken Vladimir Putin’s war economy.

While U.S. President Donald Trump did not dismiss the idea outright, his comments during a White House briefing on Friday reflected a cautious stance.

“Hopefully they won’t need it,” Trump said. “Hopefully we’ll get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks — America needs those weapons too.”

He acknowledged that such a move would represent “an escalation,” but added that discussions were ongoing.

Zelensky, during the meeting, proposed a possible drone-for-missile exchange, which reportedly drew smiles and nods from Trump. The Ukrainian leader also praised the U.S. president for his recent diplomatic success in the Middle East peace process, saying Trump could leverage that momentum to help end the war in Ukraine.

Outside the White House, Zelensky told reporters that Russia fears the prospect of Ukraine acquiring Tomahawks.

“It’s a strong weapon, and they know it,” he said. “I am realistic, not just optimistic.”

Following the meeting, Zelensky shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had briefed several European leaders, emphasizing that the top priority remains protecting lives, ensuring Ukraine’s security, and reinforcing European unity.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the conversation with Zelensky “productive,” reaffirming the UK’s commitment to providing humanitarian and military aid.

Meanwhile, Trump confirmed progress in recent talks with Putin, saying the two leaders had agreed to meet face-to-face in Budapest soon. When asked if Zelensky would join the talks, Trump noted the “bad blood” between Putin and Zelensky but said,

“We’ll be involved in threes — maybe separately, but the three of us have to get together.”