Zelensky Urges Europe to Form Its Own Military to Enhance Geopolitical Influence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European leaders to establish their own military forces to bolster the continent's security against Russia and to assert greater independence in geopolitical decision-making, thereby reducing reliance on the United States. "The time has come to create the Armed Forces of Europe," Zelensky stated at the Munich Security Conference (MSC). He emphasized the importance of the continent's future being determined solely by Europeans, highlighting the need for increased strategic autonomy for the European Union.

Zelensky criticized the recent stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who he claimed did not acknowledge Europe's role in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia during a phone conversation. "Europe must have a seat at the table where its future is decided," he insisted. Echoing sentiments from various European leaders at the conference, Zelensky warned against the United States conducting discussions with Russia and Ukraine without involving the EU and its member states. "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine; no decisions about Europe without Europe," he stressed.

The Ukrainian leader urged European officials to create a unified military force that would position Europe not just as a market but as a strategic ally to the United States. Addressing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelensky clarified that this force is not intended to replace the Atlantic Alliance but to match Europe's contributions with those of Washington.

Zelensky's remarks come amid escalating international tensions. Trump has recently suggested that Ukraine is ready to reach a peace agreement with Russia, raising concerns in Kyiv about potential negotiations excluding their participation. Furthermore, Trump's interest in reintegrating Russia into the G7 has been met with skepticism by European allies.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to Trump for a meeting in Moscow is seen by many analysts as an attempt to strengthen ties between the two powers, disregarding the implications for Ukraine and the EU. Zelensky has made it clear that he will not accept any agreement that excludes Ukraine's direct involvement.

The situation on the ground remains tense. Zelensky has accused Russia of attacking a Ukrainian nuclear plant with drones, posing a significant threat to energy security and regional stability. "If not Brussels, it will be Moscow. It is your decision," Zelensky warned, urging the EU to unite against the continent's security challenges.

At the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky stressed that European policy should not only hold promise but should also inspire the United States to support a robust Europe. He urged Europe to determine its own future confidently so that others have no choice but to respect its power.

On the eve of the Munich conference, a Russian drone targeted the sarcophagus covering the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This drone, a Shahed modified by Russia with Iranian technology, carried at least 50 kg of explosives. Zelensky described this as a deeply symbolic gesture from Russia. Recently, Ukraine has emphasized nuclear energy as a crucial factor for its energy security despite ongoing Russian attacks. They are preparing to expand the Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant with the involvement of American companies, including Westinghouse, which will strengthen energy security for both Ukraine and Europe.

Discussions with President Trump and his team have also addressed the Zaporizhia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe, currently occupied by Russia. Zelensky questioned Russia's response, referring to the drone attack on Chernobyl's sarcophagus, which contains radioactive dust and debris. He argued that such actions demonstrate Russia's lack of interest in peace and dialogue.

Each day, Russia sends up to 100 Shahed drones, in addition to ballistic missile strikes and an increasing number of air attacks. Moreover, Moscow plans to establish 15 new divisions this year, totaling 150,000 soldiers, more than the armies of most European countries. Russia continues to open new military recruitment centers weekly, fueled by high oil prices that allow Putin to ignore global pressures.

There is clear intelligence indicating that Russia plans to deploy troops to Belarus under the guise of "training exercises" this summer, reminiscent of the preparations before their full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky speculated whether this Russian force is intended to attack Ukraine or perhaps target other nations, warning that Belarus, bordering three NATO countries, has become a Russian military stronghold.

Zelensky highlighted provocations along the borders of Poland and Lithuania, where Russian intelligence services have exploited migration crises to incite chaos. He questioned what would happen if, next time, it wasn't migrants but Russian or North Korean troops. He challenged whether European armies are prepared for such scenarios and how quickly allies would respond to a false flag operation or invasion from Belarus, akin to Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

In Munich, the U.S. Vice President made it clear that the old transatlantic relationship is changing, and Europe must adapt. Zelensky expressed confidence in Europe's potential and urged action for the continent's future, its people, homes, children, and shared future. He called for Europe to become self-sufficient, unified by a common force, both Ukrainian and European.

Currently, Ukraine's military, supported by international aid, is holding back Russia. But Zelensky questioned who would stop Russia if not Ukraine. He urged honesty in acknowledging the possibility that the United States might refuse to support Europe on issues directly threatening it. Many leaders have discussed the need for Europe to have its own military, an "Army of Europe." Zelensky believes the time has come to create the Armed Forces of Europe.

He emphasized that this is not solely about increasing defense spending as a percentage of GDP. While funding is essential, it alone won't stop an enemy attack. Trained soldiers and weapons are not free, but it's not just about budgets. It's about people recognizing the need to defend their own homes. Without Ukraine's military, European armies alone cannot stop Russia. Only Ukraine's military has real, modern battlefield experience.

However, Ukraine's military alone is not enough. Zelensky called for what Europe can provide: weapons, training, sanctions, funding, political pressure, and unity. Three years of large-scale war have shown that the foundation for a unified European military force already exists. Now, as they fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, they must build the Armed Forces of Europe so that Europe's future depends solely on Europeans and decisions about Europe are made in Europe.

Therefore, Zelensky is engaged in discussions with European leaders and the United States about military contingents that can ensure peace, not just in Ukraine but across Europe. They are developing joint weapons production, particularly drones. The Danish model of joint investments for weapons production in Ukraine is already functioning successfully. Last year, thanks to efforts by Ukraine and its partners, over 1.5 million drones of various types were manufactured. Ukraine is now the world leader in drone warfare. This achievement is not only Ukraine's success but also Europe's.

Everything built for Ukraine's defense also strengthens Europe's security. The same should apply to artillery, air defense, and armored vehicles. All necessary to protect lives in modern warfare should be produced entirely in Europe. Europe has everything it needs; it just needs to unite and act so that no one can say "no," give orders, or treat it as an easy target. It's not just about amassing weapons but also about creating jobs, technological leadership, and economic strength for Europe.

Last fall, in his Victory Plan, Zelensky proposed replacing part of the U.S. military presence in Europe with Ukrainian forces (if Ukraine joins NATO). If the United States reduces its presence, it's dangerous, but Europe must be prepared. Zelensky proposed this even before the U.S. elections, recognizing the direction of U.S. policy. However, the United States must also recognize where Europe is heading. This orientation of European policy should not only hold promise but should inspire the United States to support a strong Europe. Europe must decide its own future. Confidence in Europe's strength is essential so that others have no choice but to respect European power.

Without a European army, this is impossible. It's not about replacing NATO but ensuring that Europe's contribution to the partnership is equal to that of the United States. The same approach is needed in diplomacy: working together for peace. Ukraine will never accept agreements made behind its back without its participation. The same rule should apply to all of Europe. Decisions about Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine. Decisions about Europe cannot be made without Europe. Europe must have a place at the table when decisions about its future are made; anything less is insignificant. If Europe is excluded from negotiations about its future, everyone loses.

Consider what Putin is attempting to do. This is his game. He seeks direct talks with the United States, reminiscent of pre-war meetings in Switzerland when it seemed they were on the verge of dividing the world. Later, he may try to have the U.S. President appear in Red Square on May 9, not as a respected leader, but as a prop in his performance. Ukraine does not need that. Ukraine needs real success. Real peace.

Some in Europe may not fully understand what's happening in Washington right now. But the focus should be on understanding each other, right here in Europe. First, Europe must empower itself. Does the United States need Europe? As a market, yes. But as an ally? For the answer to be "yes," Europe must have one voice, not a dozen different voices. Even those who frequently visit Mar-a-Lago must be part of a strong Europe because President Trump does not favor weak friends. He respects strength.

Some in Europe may be frustrated with Brussels, but let's be clear: if not Brussels, it will be Moscow. That's geopolitics; it's history. Moscow will tear Europe apart if Europeans don't trust each other. Recently, Trump shared a conversation with Putin, not once mentioning that the United States needs Europe at the table. That speaks volumes. The old days are gone when the United States supported Europe simply because it always had. President Trump once said, "What matters is not the family you were born into, but the one you create." Europe must build the closest possible relationship with the United States, a new relationship, but as Europeans, not just as separate nations.

Therefore, Europe needs a unified foreign policy, coordinated diplomacy, the foreign policy of a common Europe. Ending this war should be Europe's first shared success in this new reality. Efforts are underway to ensure that on February 24, the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, all European leaders and key partners defending security will gather in Kyiv and online. From Spain to Finland, from Great Britain to Poland, from Washington to Tokyo. This meeting must provide a clear vision of the next steps for peace, security guarantees, and the future of collective policy.

Zelensky does not believe in security guarantees without the United States: they would be weak, but the United States will not offer guarantees unless Europe's guarantees are strong. He is not dismissing Ukraine's NATO membership, but currently, the most influential NATO member seems to be Putin, as his whims can block NATO decisions, despite Ukraine's military halting Russia, not a NATO country, nor NATO troops, but only Ukraine's people and military.

In this war, no foreign armies fight alongside Ukraine, yet Putin has lost nearly 250,000 soldiers, with over 610,000 wounded. In the Battle of Kursk alone, Ukrainian forces eliminated nearly 20,000 Russian soldiers. Ukrainian troops completely destroyed North Korean units that Putin had to bring in because his forces were insufficient to contain Ukraine's counteroffensive. For over six months, Ukrainians have maintained a stronghold on Russian territory, despite Russia's attempt to create a "buffer zone" within Ukraine.

Zelensky expressed pride in Ukraine and its people but urged everyone to answer honestly: if Russia came for them, could their military fight the same way? He hopes no one ever has to find out. That's why security guarantees are crucial. The core of any security guarantee for Ukraine must be NATO membership. Or, if not that, then conditions allowing the creation of another NATO, right in Ukraine.

At some point, there will be a boundary between war and peace. Where that boundary is drawn and how firm it is depends on everyone. The eastern border of Ukraine, the eastern border of Belarus, the eastern borders of the Baltic States, the eastern border of Finland. That is the firmest line of security for everyone in Europe because it is the line of international law. Do people still remember what international law is? Let's be honest; the phrase "international law" sounds a bit outdated. But Europe must ensure that international law remains important.

What security guarantees can Putin offer? Before the war, many doubted that Ukraine's institutions could withstand Russian pressure. Yet, it was Putin who faced an armed rebellion from within. He had to defend his own capital from his warlords. That alone demonstrates his weakness. What will happen with the million Russian soldiers currently fighting in Ukraine? Where will they fight if not in Ukraine?

Ukraine cannot accept a ceasefire without real security guarantees, without pressuring Russia, without a system that keeps Russia in check. To fight against Ukraine, Putin has withdrawn troops from Syria, Africa, the Caucasus, and even parts of Moldova. He currently faces a shortage of combat forces. If this war ends poorly, he will have a surplus of battle-hardened soldiers who know only how to kill and plunder.

This is another reason why this war cannot be decided by a few leaders, not by Trump and Putin, not by Zelensky and Putin, nor by anyone sitting in Munich conversing alone with Putin. Pressure must be applied collectively to achieve true peace. Putin cannot offer genuine security guarantees. It's not just because he is a liar, but because Russia, in its current state, needs war to maintain power. The world must be shielded from this.

What's needed? An Armed Forces of Europe as an enhancement of NATO. A common European foreign policy. A level of European cooperation that Washington must take seriously. International law. Maintaining all pressure on Russia because that pressure is what ensures peace, not Putin's words, not just papers. Putin lies. He is predictable and weak. This must be leveraged now, not later. Europe must act as one, not as separate individuals.

Some say the new year doesn't begin on January 1 but with the Munich Security Conference. This new year begins now: let it be the year of Europe. United, strong, secure, and at peace. Peace for Ukraine, Europe, and the entire world.