Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European military force to defend against Russia, warning that the continent can no longer rely on U.S. protection. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not accept peace deals made without its involvement, following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to initiate negotiations.
A Shift in Transatlantic Relations
Zelensky’s remarks come amid growing uncertainty over America’s commitment to European security. In a speech at the conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance called on European nations to take greater responsibility for their defense, signaling a shift away from traditional U.S. leadership in NATO.
“Yesterday here in Munich, the U.S. vice president made it clear—the decades-old relationship between Europe and America is ending,” Zelensky said. “From now on, things will be different, and Europe needs to adjust to that.”
A European Military Force?
Zelensky’s proposal for an “army of Europe” echoes past calls from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, who has long advocated for an independent European defense force to reduce reliance on the U.S.
“Many, many leaders have talked about Europe needing its own military,” Zelensky stated. “An army—an army of Europe.”
His comments reflect growing frustration within NATO and the European Union, especially as U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggest that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO anytime soon. Hegseth has also dismissed the idea of Ukraine reclaiming its pre-2014 borders, a stance that has further strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Trump-Putin Talks Raise Concerns
The Trump-Putin peace discussions, held without European input, have alarmed Ukrainian officials. Zelensky revealed that Trump had briefed him on the talks but failed to mention Europe’s role.
“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,” Zelensky said. “The old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.”
Trump and Putin have reportedly agreed to meet in Saudi Arabia, with plans for potential visits to each other’s capitals. While no date has been set for Trump’s visit to Moscow, Zelensky accused Putin of orchestrating a propaganda spectacle.
“Next, Putin will try to get the U.S. president standing on Red Square on May 9, not as a respected leader, but as a prop in his own performance,” Zelensky warned.
May 9 marks Russia’s Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
European Leaders Weigh In
European leaders have voiced strong opposition to any peace agreement that does not include Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Germany would never support a dictated peace, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Europe must take charge of Ukraine’s future, or risk having global powers decide for them.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin insists that Ukraine will have a role in negotiations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Kyiv “will of course” be involved in some capacity.
As Ukraine’s war with Russia approaches its three-year anniversary, Zelensky’s calls for a unified European defense force could mark a turning point in the continent’s security strategy. Whether European nations will act on his proposal, however, remains to be seen.
