Russia's war on Ukraine is at the top of this year's agenda at the Munich Security Conference, with European leaders trying to keep the United States involved in efforts to reach a just peace deal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend the Berlin Format meeting on Ukraine held on the sideline of the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
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The meeting was attended by leaders from a dozen European countries including Ukraine's Zelenskyy, France's Macron, Germany's Merz, as well as the heads of the European Commission, European Council and the NATO military alliance.
The cancellation reportedly came at the last minute amid scheduling conflicts.
Rubio is set to address the conference on Saturday morning, but arrived already on Friday, where he met the Syrian, Chinese and German delegations, led by Chancellor Merz.
According to media reports, Merz and Rubio talked about Russia's war on Ukraine, as well as European rearmarment and Europe's role in NATO.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul wrote on X that the meeting reaffirmed the strong transatlantic bond. The US and Germany are close friends with shared interests, including a strong NATO and a strong Europe, he added.