No Russian officials at Munich conference as Germany refuses accreditation

Heusgen also urged caution regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that high-level U.S. and Russian officials would hold talks at the conference.

“We did not accredit any representatives of the Russian government. And without accreditation, they can’t get in,” Heusgen stated before the conference opened.

Additionally, Heusgen said the German federal government had not issued entry visas for Russian officials. However, he did not rule out the possibility that Russia could find alternative ways to send representatives to Germany.

“We are prepared to tackle serious challenges and must do more for defense,” Heusgen said.

He also confirmed that “representatives of the Russian opposition” were accredited to attend the conference.