Ep.101 Munich Security Conference 2025: Implications for Europe

In Munich last weekend, J.D. Vance delivered a speech that surprised many in Europe, criticizing Europeans for possessing what he termed the 'wrong values' and lacking true 'democracy.' Concurrently, Trump and his associates are engaging in negotiations with Putin regarding Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, seemingly without the involvement of Zelenskyy, which may indicate the possibility of an agreement that excludes Ukrainian perspectives entirely.

In this episode of Disorder, Jane Kinninmont explores these intricate issues in dialogue with Jason Pack, sharing her first-hand observations from the Munich Security Conference. During her attendance, she conducted three interviews with key figures: Serhiy Leschenko, advisor to Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak; Todor Tagarev, former Bulgarian Defence Minister; and Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects at the Institute of Security Studies. They discuss the evolving nature of US-European relations, the potential impact of a Trump resurgence on the Ukraine situation, and the pressing necessity for Europe to re-evaluate its defence strategies in light of possible US unpredictability. Additionally, the episode seeks to address how to promote unity among European nations amidst this disorder.

Producer: George McDonagh 

Executive Producer: Neil Fearn 

Read more from RUSI: by Jack Watling: ‘US Clarity Underscores Ukraine’s Peril’

Also by Jack but in the Guardian: ‘As the US walks away, Europe needs to step up for Ukraine. But does it have the will?’  

And from Neil Melvin (our guest on our March 11 live recording) ‘Securing Ukraine is the UK’s Challenge, but It Needs to be Done Right’

For more on Jane’s interviewees and their outputs: 

Serhiy Leschenko, advisor to Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak

Todor Tagarev, former Bulgarian defence minister

And see his recent ECFR piece 'Prepare for the worst - four scenarios for Ukraine under Trump 2.0'

Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects at the Institute of Security Studies, headquartered in South Africa with offices in Senegal, Kenya and Ethiopia