Zelenskiy, Wang Yi, Borell and Scholz among the speakers in Munich

The second day of the Munich security conference was filled with more high-level speeches – none more anticipated than that from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. 

It was only five days after he last delivered a live speech on the Munich main stage – in 2022, wearing a suit and tie – that Russia began its large-scale offensive against Ukraine.

Now, donning an army sweater, Zelenskiy spoke about returning to a rules-based world order where security was a reality again. "There is no one for whom the ongoing war in Europe does not pose a threat," he argued.

His speech at the largest international security conference came as Ukrainian troops began withdrawing from the eastern city of Avdiivka, in order to save soldiers' lives. 

Zelenskyy called this "the correct decision" and emphasized his country's need for more air defense and long-range weapons.

"We can get our land back and Putin can lose," he insisted. "Our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of the range of our strength… keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war."

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi also addressed the conference on Saturday, presenting Beijing's position on a number of international security issues. 

Wang Yi called for a diplomatic solution on Ukraine, stipulating that "the security interests of both countries must be recognized" and that "China is working tirelessly to find a political solution to the crisis." 

He also described China's relationship with Russia as one "based on non-alliance, non-confrontation and mutual interest" and one not aimed at any third party.

Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's position on Taiwan, saying it "remains part of Chinese territory" and that a return of Taiwan is "a basic requirement for us."

During a sideline meeting with the EU's top diplomat Josep Borell, Wang Yi stressed the need for the EU and China to work together to meet the challenges of a more chaotic and uncertain world.

"As the two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, China and Europe should be aware of the international responsibilities they bear," he said. "A more stable and closer China-EU relationship will not only bring success to each other, but will also illuminate the world."

The second day of the security conference had opened with a speech from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who stressed his country's continued support to Ukraine and to meeting NATO's requirement of 2 percent of GDP spent on defense. This will be the first year Europe's largest economy will meet that target.

However, in view of potential political change in the White House, Chancellor Scholz also spoke of the need for Europeans "to do much more for our security, now and in the future. Our readiness to do so is considerable."

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