Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the creation of an “army of Europe” at the Munich Security Conference, citing growing concerns about the United States potentially reducing its support for the continent. He noted that US Vice-President JD Vance had suggested that the traditional Europe-US alliance was coming to an end, and Europe would need to adapt. Zelensky also made it clear that Ukraine would not accept deals made behind its back, specifically referring to discussions between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky’s comments come amid rising fears that the US may not be as committed to European security as it once was.
In addition to the push for a European military, Zelensky’s remarks highlighted the ongoing dialogue between the US and Russia. This included a phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russia’s foreign minister, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to restoring dialogue. While there are calls for peace talks between the US and Russia, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested Europe would not be directly involved in the negotiations. This development raised concerns in Ukraine and among European allies about being sidelined in crucial discussions that could shape the future of the continent.
Zelensky also reflected on his rejection of a deal proposed by Trump, which would have allowed the US to access Ukraine’s vast natural resources in exchange for financial aid. Zelensky cited the lack of security guarantees for Ukraine as a major factor in rejecting the agreement, emphasizing that Ukraine’s security needed to be a priority in any negotiations.
This rejection of the deal underscored the importance Ukraine places on maintaining its sovereignty and security, especially as the US continues to weigh its involvement in the conflict.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaching its third year, Zelensky has continued to advocate for Ukraine’s NATO membership, despite comments from US officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said that such an outcome was unlikely. In the face of these challenges, Zelensky called for Europe to take a more active role in determining its own future, stressing that Europe must have a seat at the table in any peace negotiations or discussions about its security. His remarks reflect the growing desire for European autonomy in shaping the continent’s military and diplomatic future.
