President Volodymyr Zelenskyi offered to create a joint Armed Forces of Europe with the participation of the Ukrainian army, stressing that the era when it was possible to rely solely on the United States was a thing of the past.
“Many leaders have talked about the fact that Europe needs its own army – the Army of Europe. I believe that the time has come. The armed forces of Europe must be created. It is not just about increasing defense spending as a percentage of GDP. Money is needed, yes – but money alone will not stop the enemy’s attack. Men and weapons are not given for free, but again, it is not only about the budget.
The point is people’s awareness of the need to protect their own home. Without the Ukrainian army, European armies will not be enough to stop Russia. Only our army in Europe has real, modern combat experience. But our army alone is not enough.”, — said Zelensky.
According to his conviction, the Ukrainian army proved during 3 years of full-scale war that it can become the foundation for the united European Armed Forces. Zelensky emphasized that everything necessary to protect life in modern warfare should be produced directly in Europe.
He also recalled that he proposed to partially replace the American military presence in Europe with Ukrainian forces:
“If the Americans themselves decide to go this way, reducing their presence, it’s bad, it’s dangerous, but all of us in Europe must be ready.”
According to him, such a step of European policy should encourage the US to support a strong Europe:
“We need confidence in our own strength, so that others have no other choice but to respect the strength of Europe. And without a European army, this is impossible. I repeat once again – Europe needs its own armed forces!”.
