Munich Security Conference Opens Amid Trans-Atlantic Strains, German Push for Russia Talks on Ukraine Intensifies – 2/13/2026, 8:29:33 AM

Top world news as of February 13, 2026, centers on the Munich Security Conference opening amid trans-Atlantic tensions, growing German calls for direct talks with Russia on Ukraine, and historical commemorations. [1][2][5]

Munich Security Conference

The annual Munich Security Conference opened in Munich, Germany, focusing on strained trans-Atlantic relations between the US and Europe. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered the opening speech, with attendees including 15 EU heads of state or government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and a US congressional delegation. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger highlighted a “significant crisis of confidence” in trans-Atlantic ties, stemming from last year’s US Vice President JD Vance’s criticisms and recent US threats of tariffs on European countries to gain control of Greenland. Analysts note Rubio faces challenges rebuilding trust, especially after the Greenland incident eroded European confidence in NATO alliances.[2]

Japan’s Foreign Minister MOTEGI is attending the conference, held February 13-16.[7]

Ukraine-Russia Developments

A YouGov poll shows 58% of Germans, including strong support from Chancellor Merz’s conservative base, favor direct talks between Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war. Despite public pressure, Merz remains skeptical without trilateral involvement from Russia, the US, and Ukraine. Opposition leaders urge Berlin to “call Moscow” amid Germany’s economic struggles from high energy prices.[5]

Other Notable Mentions

• Buddhist monks completed a 108-day walk for peace across the US, arriving in Washington, DC, from Fort Worth, Texas.[4]
• New Zealand headlines cover local issues like hospital parking changes, Māori seats debate, and Sail GP in Auckland, but no major global events.[3]

Search results lack comprehensive breaking news on other global hotspots; the above synthesizes the most prominent international stories available.[1][2][3][4][5][7]