This year’s Munich Conference is taking place against a backdrop of high tensions arising from the new realities of global security. Europe has proven unprepared for the tough stance of the United States, which is effectively abandoning its commitment to defending the continent, creating a sense of uncertainty and confusion among Europeans. This was especially evident the day before, when the German Defense Minister was forced to abandon his prepared speech and give an impromptu response to the statements of the American Vice President. The desire of the United States to distance itself from Europe is supported by the same actions that are reminiscent of the isolationist policies pursued during the interwar period. In this vacuum, Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a new path, promoting Ukraine as a key player in the creation of a European security system. Given the unique experience of the Ukrainian army, including successful tactical operations and mobilization of resources, this proposal sounded like a natural step. At the same time, in the political context, the US, under Trump, has managed to put Europe in an extremely difficult position, where it has begun to seriously consider a possible war with Russia, which has led to a redistribution of forces within the alliance. European countries are now forced to look for ways to defend themselves without constant US intervention.

Washington's position is becoming increasingly clear: intervention in the conflict will most likely occur at the final stage, and it is unlikely that the US will support Europe in full. This approach is reminiscent of US policy after World War II, when the country, despite participating in the distribution of peace, always remained on the sidelines of direct hostilities. America's current strategy is aimed at creating the most favorable conditions for a future clash, in which the Kremlin will be able to inflict maximum damage on NATO, and then the US will be able to play a decisive role in saving it, transforming the alliance into an entirely new association. Europe's task in this context is to prevent NATO from collapsing and to prevent the Kremlin from seizing a strategic advantage.