At the security conference in Munich, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed his country's determination to defend itself against a Russian attack.

"We will defend our country regardless of the circumstances, whether we fight alone or not, no matter when the aggression occurs. 

Lorenz Hemicker

Editor in Politics

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Zelenskyy urged Ukraine's partners to be honest with themselves.

"Be honest," he said to the guests in the conference room, who earlier greeted him with a standing ovation in case they didn't want to see Ukraine in NATO.

His country will not become a permanent buffer between NATO and Russia.

With regard to Western arms deliveries, the Ukrainian President says these are not "donations" but a contribution to European and international security.

In view of the worsening Urkaine crisis, Selenskyj decided to fly straight back to Kiev after his appearance at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday afternoon.

He wrote on Instagram on Saturday: "We do not react to provocations."

The indications of an imminent Russian attack had increased at the start of the second day of the security conference.

The Ukrainian armed forces reported numerous violations of the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, and several explosions were heard in the north of the rebel stronghold of Donetsk, the causes of which initially remained unclear.

The rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine announced a general military mobilization on Saturday.

Putin, along with Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko, oversaw a maneuver by the country's strategic armed forces from Moscow.

According to the Kremlin, nuclear weapons systems were also involved.

It is supposed to be an exercise that is “according to plan”.

However, Washington said it usually takes place in the fall.

Wang: China recognizes Ukraine's sovereignty

The tensions between Russia and Ukraine and their consequences for the security situation in Europe had previously dominated the conference on Saturday.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned NATO to add new members and expand further east.

The alliance is a product of the Cold War, and that's long over, said Wang, who was on video at the Munich Security Conference, according to the translation.

In the event of an enlargement, NATO would have to ask itself whether this would result in greater security for Europe.

Ukraine is aiming to join NATO, but the topic is currently not on the Alliance's agenda. 

Facing the Ukraine crisis, Wang called on all countries to take responsibility and work for a peaceful solution.

Sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of every country should be protected, Ukraine is no exception.

The country should be “a bridge connecting West and East and not a front line”.

He hoped that a solution could be found based on dialogue and consultation.