Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the establishment of a “European Armed Forces” during a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
Zelensky said such a military body was necessary in the event Europe would not be able to rely on the United States to defend its national security interests.
“Let’s be honest, now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say ‘no’ to Europe on an issue that might threaten it. Many leaders have talked about a Europe that needs its own military, an army of Europe. And I really believe that the time has come for the Armed Forces of Europe to be created,” Zelensky said.
BREAKING: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says an 'armed forces of Europe must be created'. https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
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It’s unclear if Zelensky’s proposal will be taken seriously among EU leaders given he has sought greater military and economic support from the EU for years amid repeated warning that other parts of Europe could be Russia’s next target.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. would support the EU militarily through NATO funding, but only if other EU nations meet their financial obligations to the security alliance.
In a subsequent panel discussion at the conference, Zelensky criticized President Trump for holding a peace discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin without his permission.
Zelensky says he isn’t happy that Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin without his permission and demands to be a part of the conversation, stressing that the United States must first speak with him before it makes any deals with Russia. pic.twitter.com/EIjwl96GJa
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Trump on Wednesday said he would likely meet Putin in Saudi Arabia to begin preliminary peace negotiations — without Zelensky in attendance.
Watch Zelensky’s full remarks: