Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of a European army, stating that Europe can no longer rely on the United States as an ally.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, he pushed European leaders to take greater responsibility for their own security.
“I really believe the time has come,” Zelenskyy said. “The armed forces of Europe have to be established.”
His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and European leaders following a series of President Donald Trump’s decisions that have widened the gulf between Washington and its allies.
One of the most controversial was Trump’s attempt to go over the head of Russian President Vladimir Putin in talks to end the war in Ukraine, sidelining European leaders from the negotiating table.
Trump’s special representative for Ukraine and Russia said European nations would not be included in the peace talks, a position that has shaken EU leaders.
Although Trump subsequently assured Zelenskyy that Ukraine would have a seat at the table, the Ukrainian president insisted that Europe in general must be present.
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs,” Zelenskyy stated. “And neither should Europe.”.
He clarified that his appeal for a European army is not meant to replace NATO but to render Europe’s contribution to transatlantic security equivalent to America’s.
European Leaders React to Change in US Stance
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also spoke of frustration at the U.S., and in particular at what he described as interference in German politics. It came after a meeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance held with leaders of the far-right German Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, where the vice president faulted European leaders for their management of democracy.
“We will not accept foreign powers interfering in our democracy and elections,” Scholz said. “That’s just not the way it’s done—least of all among friends and allies.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the situation as a “moment of truth” for Europe, urging leaders to present a united front in support of Ukraine. Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir also added that European leaders are uncertain about Washington’s long-term intentions.
As Europe grapples with shifting U.S. policy, Zelenskyy’s call for a European army raises pressing questions about the continent’s future defense strategy and position in global security.