Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European army, warning that the continent can no longer rely on the United States for security. His remarks at the Munich Security Conference come as tensions rise over Donald Trump’s efforts to engage Russia in peace talks without European involvement.
Zelensky’s concerns were heightened by statements from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that the long-standing transatlantic alliance between Europe and the U.S. is changing. “The old relationship is ending, and Europe needs to adjust,” Zelensky quoted Vance as saying.
U.S.-Russia Talks Exclude Europe
The Ukrainian leader also made clear that his country would not accept peace deals made without its participation, following reports that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations.
On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, building on an earlier Trump-Putin conversation. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the call took place at the request of the U.S. but did not provide further details on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, confirmed that while Europe would be consulted, it would not be a direct participant in the talks. He suggested previous peace efforts had failed because “too many parties were involved”—a stance likely to concern Kyiv and European allies.
Ukraine Rejects U.S. Deal on Resources
Zelensky also revealed that he had blocked a Trump-led deal that would have given the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare mineral resources in exchange for security assurances. He said the proposal “did not protect us” and lacked firm commitments from Washington.
Trump has previously suggested that military aid to Ukraine should come with financial compensation, including access to Ukraine’s vast deposits of rare minerals, which are crucial for modern technology and defense industries.
European Security in Question
Zelensky’s call for a European army follows growing uncertainty about U.S. military support. While some European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have previously proposed the idea, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas swiftly dismissed it.
“Let’s be honest. We can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on an issue that threatens it,” Zelensky warned. “Many leaders have spoken about the need for a European army. Now, it’s time to act.”
His remarks follow recent comments by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “factory reset” for NATO—a shift that suggests the alliance may need to rethink its role.
Both Trump and Hegseth have said they believe Ukraine joining NATO is unlikely, and that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic—positions that align with Russia’s demands in potential peace talks.
Europe’s Next Steps
European leaders are now scrambling to respond to the shifting geopolitical landscape. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that Berlin would never support a dictated peace. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that if Europe fails to present its own plan, “other global players will decide our future.”
Zelensky echoed this sentiment, insisting that Ukraine and Europe must have a seat at the table for any talks that determine their fate.
With Trump and Putin expected to meet in Saudi Arabia in the near future—potentially followed by a Trump visit to Moscow—the future of Ukraine and European security remains uncertain.
