As geopolitical tensions mount and the United States signals a shift in its longstanding role in European defense, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the formation of an “Army of Europe” to counter the growing threat posed by Russia. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky made it clear that Europe must take control of its own security as the era of unwavering U.S. support may be coming to an end.
“I really believe the time has come – the armed forces of Europe must be created,” Zelensky declared, emphasizing the need for European nations to bolster their own military capabilities. His remarks come after former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to initiate peace talks without Ukraine’s direct involvement an approach that Kyiv has firmly rejected.
Zelensky’s comments also align with the stance of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has long advocated for an independent European defense force to reduce reliance on the U.S. The Ukrainian leader highlighted concerns that the U.S. could refuse to support Europe in a future crisis, reinforcing the necessity of a unified European military strategy.
In a speech delivered at the same conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance signaled a significant shift in transatlantic relations, urging European nations to “step up in a big way” regarding their own defense. This sentiment was echoed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a “factory reset” for NATO, requiring a stronger and more autonomous European response.
With the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaching, discussions surrounding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership remain uncertain. Both Trump and Hegseth have suggested that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is unlikely in the near future, with Hegseth further stating that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders may not be a realistic goal.
Despite this, Zelensky remains adamant that Ukraine’s NATO aspirations should not be dismissed. “We will not take NATO membership for Ukraine off the table,” he asserted, reinforcing Ukraine’s strategic objective of aligning with Western military alliances.
As the international landscape shifts, Zelensky’s call for an “Army of Europe” reflects a growing consensus that European nations must take greater responsibility for their own security. Whether such a military force can materialize in the near future remains uncertain, but the urgency in Zelensky’s message underscores the evolving nature of global alliances and the need for Europe to prepare for a more self-reliant future.
