Story perspectives

European Leaders Urge Caution Amid Russia's Growing Threats

2/16/2026

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Europeans Confront Russia

At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders warned about Russia's ongoing threats, marking a shift from earlier dismissals of U.S. warnings about an invasion.
They emphasize the need to "de-risk" from the United States, citing unease about American unpredictability under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio adopted a more diplomatic tone than his predecessor.
Diplomats noted the absence of U.S. endorsement on Russia-related intelligence.

Right

Zelensky Strengthens Defense

European leaders at the Munich Security Conference discussed new air defenses and a drone factory with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Four years ago, U.S. officials presented evidence of a looming Russian invasion, but many senior European officials dismissed it as a bluff by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This week marks the fifth anniversary of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Europeans Confront Russia

At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders warned about Russia's ongoing threats, marking a shift from earlier dismissals of U.S. warnings about an invasion.
They emphasize the need to "de-risk" from the United States, citing unease about American unpredictability under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio adopted a more diplomatic tone than his predecessor.
Diplomats noted the absence of U.S. endorsement on Russia-related intelligence.

1 / 2