'Army of Europe' needed to challenge Russia says Zelensky

At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the formation of a "European army" to defend against Russia, suggesting that the US may no longer be as reliable in aiding the continent's security. Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine would never accept any agreements made without its participation, referring to the peace talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his speech on Friday, US Vice President JD Vance criticized European democracies, urging Europe to "step up in a big way" in terms of defense. Zelensky concluded, stating, "I truly believe the time has come for the creation of a European armed force."

In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the ongoing war with Russia, stating that the old relationship between Europe and the US was coming to an end. "Yesterday, the US Vice President made it clear that the decades-old relationship between Europe and America is over. From now on, things will change, and Europe needs to adapt," he remarked.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a "factory reset" for NATO, stressing the need for a "robust," "strong," and "real" alliance. On Saturday, Zelensky added, "Let's be honest. We can't rule out the possibility that America might refuse to support Europe on an issue that threatens it."

Zelensky also highlighted that many leaders have discussed the need for Europe to have its own military force. "An army, an army of Europe," he stressed. This idea of a European army has been championed by others, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who has long advocated for a European military to reduce reliance on the US.

Zelensky continued, recalling a conversation with former President Trump about his talks with Putin, noting, "Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table - that speaks volumes. The days when America supported Europe just because it always had are over."

As Russia's invasion approaches its third anniversary, both Trump and Hegseth have suggested that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unlikely, with Hegseth also stating that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic. Zelensky, however, reiterated that he would "not take NATO membership for Ukraine off the table."

Last week, former President Trump had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed peace talks regarding Ukraine, seemingly leaving key allies out of the conversation.

Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that both Ukraine and Europe should have a voice when decisions about Europe are made. He expressed concern over the US president’s potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, later writing on social media that the two had invited each other to visit their capitals.

Zelensky accused Putin of manipulating the situation by isolating the US in direct talks. "Next, Putin will try to get the US president to stand on Red Square on May 9 this year—not as a respected leader but as a prop in his own performance," Zelensky warned.

No date has been set for Trump’s visit to Moscow, which coincides with Russia’s "Victory Day" on May 9, when the country commemorates its victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated last week that Ukraine would "of course" be involved in the negotiations, one way or another.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted that his country would never support a peace dictated by others. Meanwhile, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the importance of Europe developing its own plan for Ukraine, warning that without it, other global powers might dictate Europe’s future.