Munich (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the time has come for the creation of an “armed forces of Europe” and that Ukraine’s fighting against Russia has confirmed that a foundation for it already exists.
The Ukrainian President stated Europe cannot rule out the prospect that
“American might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it”
And stated that many leaders have long talked about how Europe needs its own military.
“I really believe that time has come,”
Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference.
“The armed forces of Europe must be created.”
He also indicated a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump expressed the two leaders would likely sit down soon to mediate a peace deal over Ukraine. Trump later told Zelenskyy that he, too, would have a chair at the table to conclude the war that was flashed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
What did Zelenskyy say about Trump’s talks with Putin?
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement, and the same rule should apply to all of Europe,”
Zelenskyy stated.
“A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table. That says a lot,”
He also said.
“The old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.”
Ukrainian leader urged that
“three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force. And now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, we must build the armed forces of Europe.”
How would a European army impact NATO’s role?
Citing the appearance of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the audience, Zelenskyy stated his opinion
“wasn’t about replacing the alliance. This is about making Europe’s contribution to our partnership equal to America’s.”
According to experts, European heads have been attempting to make sense of a hard new line from the USA on issues including democracy and Ukraine’s future as the Trump government continues to undermine transatlantic conventions that have been in business since after World War II.
A day earlier, Zelenskyy stated that his country needs security guarantees before any discussions with Russia. Shortly before sitting with Vance in Munich, Zelenskyy stated he would only arrange to meet in person with Putin after a common objective is negotiated with Trump.
