President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that the time has come for the creation of an armed forces of Europe, emphasizing that his country's fight against Russia has established a foundation for it. He noted that many leaders have long spoken about how Europe needs its own military, and that Europe cannot rule out the possibility that American might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it. Zelenskyy alluded to a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump said the two leaders would likely meet soon to negotiate a peace deal over Ukraine. Trump later assured Zelenskyy that he, too, would have a seat at the table to end the war that was sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelenskyy insisted that three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force. And now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, we must build the armed forces of Europe. Noting the presence of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the audience, Zelenskyy said his idea wasn't about replacing the alliance. This is about making Europe's contribution to our partnership equal to America's, highlighting that the old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that the time has come for the creation of an armed forces of Europe, emphasizing that his country's fight against Russia has established a foundation for it. He noted that many leaders have long spoken about how Europe needs its own military, and that Europe cannot rule out the possibility that American might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it. Zelenskyy alluded to a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump said the two leaders would likely meet soon to negotiate a peace deal over Ukraine. Trump later assured Zelenskyy that he, too, would have a seat at the table to end the war that was sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelenskyy insisted that three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force. And now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, we must build the armed forces of Europe. Noting the presence of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the audience, Zelenskyy said his idea wasn't about replacing the alliance. This is about making Europe's contribution to our partnership equal to America's, highlighting that the old days are over when America supported Europe just because it always had.