“The chance of us actually arranging meaningful talks on the issue in Munich is of course much greater if an authorized Russian government representative with permission to speak were present,” Ischinger said in Berlin on Monday in comments about the Ukraine crisis.

As potential guests, Ischinger mentioned by name Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, former president Dmitry Medvedev and incumbent President Vladimir Putin. But “unfortunately, this was rejected,” he said.

The Munich Security Conference opens on Friday. Discussions about Ukraine, Russia and NATO are set to dominate the event on Saturday, while Sunday will be dedicated to the future of the European Union.

Upon presenting the “Security Report 2022” on Monday, Ischinger lamented a collective and, to a certain extent, learned helplessness in response to a multitude of crises.

The conference itself will be attended by more than 100 ministers and more than 30 heads of state and government.

Last year, the security conference could only taken place virtually due to the pandemic. This year, it will take place in person but on a smaller scale and under strict hygiene measures.

Covid restrictions also make it more difficult for Russian guests to travel to the conference because they are usually not vaccinated with vaccines approved in Germany. “That’s why quite a number of Russians have cancelled,” said Ischinger.