Zelensky Calls for Creation of a European Armed Forces Amid Uncertain US Support

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By Newsroom with Agencies

Munich, Germany – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European nations to establish a unified military force, warning that they can no longer take American support for granted. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky declared, “The old days are over—when America supported Europe just because it always had.”

His remarks came in response to recent diplomatic developments, including a phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by Trump’s separate conversation with Zelensky about potential negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This was the first direct contact between U.S. and Russian leaders since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Zelensky expressed discontent that Trump had reached out to Putin before engaging with him, calling it a concerning signal. He warned that any peace deal negotiated without Kyiv’s direct involvement would be unacceptable, both for Ukraine and the broader European community. “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs,” he stated. “And the same rule should apply to all of Europe.”

A Call for European Military Independence

Zelensky’s call for European armed forces comes as the continent finds itself increasingly sidelined in negotiations led by the U.S. “We cannot ignore the reality that America might say no to Europe on critical security issues,” he emphasized. “Many leaders have spoken about the need for a European military—now, I truly believe that time has come.”

The Ukrainian leader pointed to Europe’s growing military cooperation as a foundation for this vision. “Three years of full-scale war with Russia have proven that we already have the groundwork for a united European military force,” he said. “Now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace, we must build the armed forces of Europe.”

Zelensky was careful to note that his proposal was not meant to replace NATO but to complement it. Addressing NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who was in the audience, he clarified, “This is about making Europe’s contribution to our partnership equal to America’s.”

Fears of Russian Aggression

Zelensky also warned European leaders about the dangers of Russian aggression, highlighting intelligence reports suggesting Moscow may be preparing to send additional troops to Belarus this summer. “If this war ends the wrong way, Putin will have a surplus of battle-tested soldiers who know nothing but killing and looting,” he cautioned. He also raised concerns about potential “false-flag” operations that could justify further Russian military actions in Europe.

During an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour at the conference, Zelensky revealed that he had told Trump that Putin was only engaging in negotiations because he feared the former U.S. president. “Yes. I told Trump that Putin is afraid of him,” Zelensky said. “And now Putin knows.”

As speculation swirls about Trump’s next moves, there are concerns among European allies that the U.S. may make concessions to Moscow at Ukraine’s expense before formal negotiations even begin. Zelensky warned that Putin might try to persuade Trump to attend Russia’s May 9 Victory Day military parade in Moscow, a symbolic event celebrating the Soviet Union’s World War II victory.

Uncertain Future

Zelensky’s appeal for a European military force signals a growing rift between the continent and its traditional ally across the Atlantic. With uncertainty looming over U.S. foreign policy, European leaders face critical decisions about their collective security.

The Ukrainian president’s warning was clear: Europe must be ready to defend itself. “The question is not whether Russia will act aggressively again, but when,” he concluded. “We must be prepared.”