5 min readFeb 15, 2025 10:17 PM IST
First published on: Feb 15, 2025 at 07:49 PM IST
A day after US Vice-President JD Vance asked Europe to “step up” in managing its own security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday urged Europe to create its own military force, warning that the “old days” when the US supported Europe “just because it always had” are over.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy said the speech by Vance made it clear that America’s relationship with Europe was shifting and argued that a unified European army would command more respect from Washington and ensure Europe’s future was determined by Europeans alone.
“Let’s be honest — now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it,” Zelenskyy said, as Ukraine nears another year of war following Russia’s invasion. “Many leaders have talked about a European army. I believe the time has come.”
Zelenskyy insisted that Europe’s military strength must be unified, and include Ukraine, so that decisions about the continent’s security are made in Europe, not elsewhere. “Does America need Europe as a market? Yes. But as an ally? I don’t know. For the answer to be yes, Europe needs a single voice, not a dozen different ones.”
“Our army alone is not enough, we need your support,” he said, and insisted 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.”
Deal with Russia
Officials in the Trump administration have recently signalled that Europe must take primary responsibility for its own defence, as the US shifts focus to border security and countering China. While they reaffirmed their commitment to NATO, the messaging has left European allies uncertain.
“America needs to see where Europe is heading,” Zelenskyy said, adding that only a strong, united Europe would make Washington want to stand by its side.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Trump rattled European allies this week by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin without prior consultation and declaring an immediate start to Ukraine peace talks. Trump later assured Ukrainian President that he, too, would have a seat at the table.
“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.”
Zelenskyy warned that Kyiv would never accept any deal to end Ukraine’s war with Russia made behind its back, and predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would try to get US President Donald Trump to Moscow’s May 9 World War Two victory anniversary parade, “not as a respected leader but as a prop in his own performance”.
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement. And the same rule should apply to all of Europe. No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe,” he said.
Zelenskyy also told the conference that he believed it would be “dangerous” if Trump met Putin before he and Trump meet.
Europe could be next
Zelenskyy also warned European leaders that if Ukraine falls, their countries could be next. “If this war ends the wrong way, Putin will have a surplus of battle-tested soldiers who know nothing but killing and looting,” he said, citing intelligence that Russia plans to send troops to Belarus, Ukraine’s northern neighbour, this summer.
While European countries primarily cooperate on defence through Nato, past proposals for a unified European army have been repeatedly rejected over concerns about national sovereignty.
However, Zelenskyy argued that military buildup would not only strengthen security but also boost Europe’s economy. “This isn’t just about stockpiling weapons — it’s about jobs, technological leadership, and economic trends for Europe.”
(With inputs from Reuters, Associated Press)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
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