Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday said the time has come for the creation of “armed forces of Europe” and that his country’s fight against Russia has proved that a foundation for it already exists.
His remarks came while speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany where he also raised suspicion of a possibility that “Americans might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it", while noting that several leaders have highlighted the need for the continent to have its own military.
“I really believe that time has come,” Zelenskyy told the Munich Security Conference, adding that “The armed forces of Europe must be created," AP reported.
“This (Russia) is not a country that wants peace. It is not preparing for dialogue," Zelenskyy warned.
Zelenskyy also alluded to a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump said the two leaders would likely meet soon to negotiate a peace deal over Ukraine. Trump later assured Zelenskyy that he, too, would have a seat at the table to end the war that was sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement, and the same rule should apply to all of Europe,” Zelenskyy said.
“A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table. That says a lot,” he added. “The old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.”
Zelenskyy insisted that “three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force. And now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, we must build the armed forces of Europe.”
Noting the presence of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the audience, Zelenskyy said his idea “wasn’t about replacing the alliance. This is about making Europe’s contribution to our partnership equal to America’s.”
(With inputs from AP)
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