Zelensky calls to build ‘army of Europe’ to counter future Russian threats

MUNICH, Germany — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Europe to develop its own armed forces, warning that the continent must become more self-reliant in the face of potential threats from Russia.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Saturday, Zelensky said Europe has the capacity to manufacture its own artillery, air defense systems and other military technologies necessary for modern warfare.

“Three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have a foundation for a united European military force,” he said.

Zelensky’s remarks came amid mounting concerns over the U.S. shifting foreign policy priorities under the Trump administration, which some fear could weaken its decades-old relationship with the European Union.

On Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech at the MSC questioning European values, accusing its leaders of stifling free speech, failing to curb illegal migration and undermining democratic processes.

Vance argued that Europe's biggest challenge was not external threats from Russia or China, but what he described as “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values,” including those shared with the U.S.

Zelensky warned that Europe shouldn’t rule out the possibility that the U.S. might decline to cooperate with the EU on matters it does not perceive as threats, arguing that this underscores the need for a European army.

“We must build Europe’s armed forces so that the continent’s future depends solely on Europeans, and decisions about Europe are made in Europe,” Zelensky said.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s lengthy phone conversation earlier this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a potential peace plan for Ukraine, Europe has become increasingly concerned that it will be left out of the negotiations.

Zelensky, however, said that Ukraine needs security guarantees from both the U.S. and the EU. “Europe must have a seat at the table when decisions about Europe are being made. If we are left out of negotiations about our own future, then we will all lose,” he said.

Europe has been Ukraine’s ally since the first days of the Russian invasion, providing financial and military support, hosting refugees and imposing restrictive measures, including sanctions on Russia. As of January, the EU’s aid to Ukraine since 2022 amounts to $145 billion.

Ukraine has also signed 27 bilateral security agreements with EU member states, hoping to receive additional cybersecurity, military and humanitarian support amid its war with Russia.

“I believe in Europe,” Zelensky said. “And I urge you to act for your own sake.”

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