Zelenskiy Calls for European Army, Warns Against...

Zelenskiy Calls for European Army, Warns Against U.S. Policy Shifts

Zim Now Writer

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the creation of a European army, arguing that the continent can no longer rely on U.S. protection and must establish its own military strength to earn Washington’s respect.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky emphasized that Europe must take control of its future. He stated that while Europe serves as an economic market for the U.S., its role as a strategic ally is uncertain. To reinforce its position, he called for a unified European military force that would include Ukraine.

Zelenskiy’s speech followed remarks by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, which signalled a shift in the transatlantic alliance.

The Trump administration has suggested that NATO’s European members should take primary responsibility for their own defense while the U.S. focuses on other priorities, including border security and countering China.

Zelenskiy stressed that for the U.S. to stand firmly with Europe, the continent must present a united front. He also expressed concern over former President Donald Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, made without prior consultation with European allies.

Opposition to Backroom Peace Deals

Ukraine remains firm in its stance that no agreement to end the war should be made without its direct involvement. Zelenskiy warned that Trump’s approach risked making concessions to Russia at Ukraine’s expense. He also cautioned against Trump meeting Putin before consulting Kyiv, calling such a move “dangerous.”

Zelenskiy warned European leaders that if Ukraine falls, other nations could be next. He cited intelligence reports indicating that Russia plans to deploy troops to Belarus, another Ukrainian neighbor, by summer. He also noted that a Russian victory would leave Putin with battle-hardened soldiers who have known only war, posing a security risk to Europe.

While Europe primarily cooperates on defense through NATO, calls for an independent European military have been repeatedly rejected, with national governments prioritizing sovereignty over a collective force.

Some European leaders expressed skepticism about Zelenskiy’s proposal, with an official from an eastern EU member stating, “There is a European military force called NATO.”

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani acknowledged continued U.S. support for Ukraine but did not directly comment on the idea of a European army. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged European nations to focus on concrete defense proposals rather than debating their place in strategic discussions.

Despite concerns about shifting U.S. policy, G7 foreign ministers, including the U.S., issued a joint statement on Saturday pledging continued cooperation for a durable peace deal in Ukraine. The statement emphasized the need for strong security guarantees to prevent future conflicts.

Zelenskiy concluded his address by highlighting the economic benefits of European military expansion, arguing that defense investments would create jobs, boost technological leadership, and strengthen the continent’s economy.