Zelenskiy calls for European army to deter Russia, earn US respect
Photo: Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Saturday for the creation of a European army, saying the continent could no longer be sure of protection from the United States and would only get respect from Washington with a strong military, News.az reports citing Reuters.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has sent a questionnaire to European capitals asking them what they could contribute in terms of security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any peace deal with Russia, European officials said.
In an impassioned speech to the annual Munich Security Conference of global policymakers, Zelenskiy said an address by U.S. Vice President JD Vance the previous day had made clear the relationship between Europe and the United States was changing.
"Let's be honest - now we can't rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it," said Zelenskiy, speaking as the war triggered by Russia's invasion of his country will soon enter its fourth year.
He said a European army - which would include Ukraine - was necessary so that the continent's "future depends only on Europeans - and decisions about Europeans are made in Europe".
He continued: "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."
European nations cooperate militarily primarily within NATO, but governments have so far rejected various calls for the creation of a single European army over the years, arguing that defence is a matter of national sovereignty.
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