Zelensky calls for ‘armed forces of Europe’ as EU leaders bristle at new US policies on Ukraine

I’m a school of realism. I think that’s not going to happen.”

Pressed on whether that meant Europeans wouldn’t be included, he said

You can have the Ukrainians, the Russians, and clearly the Americans at the table talking,

Kellogg said at an event hosted by a Ukrainian tycoon

We need to ensure Ukrainian sovereignty,

he said, before adding

This is an existential moment. It’s a moment where Europe has to stand up,

she said

Many, many leaders have talked about Europe needing its own military—an army of Europe,

Zelensky said

The Americans are approaching European capitals and asking how many soldiers they are ready to deploy,

one diplomat said

There’s no way in which we can have discussions or negotiations about Ukraine, Ukraine’s future or European security structure, without Europeans,

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb told the same security conference in Munich

Russia is really a petrostate,

he said,

America needs to see where Europe is heading, ... and this direction of European policy shouldn’t just be promising, it should make America want to stand with a strong Europe."

Zelenskyy said

Does America need Europe as a market? Yes. But as an ally? I don’t know. For the answer to be yes, Europe needs a single voice, not a dozen different ones."

He continued

We already have successful cases of joint repair of equipment and localisation of production, and Ukraine is ready to scale up: ammunition, armoured vehicles, air defence systems. The more of this we have, the safer our Europe will eventually become."

Quote from Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We discussed joint steps to achieve lasting peace, security guarantees and the role of Europe in a potential peacekeeping process. Any agreements cannot neglect European interests. I also thanked him for opening the ‘unity hubs’ in Berlin in the near future. We agreed to continue working together to strengthen Europe."

Quote from Volodymyr Zelenskyy

It remains unclear whether Zelensky is referring to active Russian military personnel or Russian efforts to recruit additional forces, as former Russian Defense Minister and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced in March 2024 that Russia aimed to form 14 new military divisions in coming years."

The ISW added

It's also important for me that he should have a report from the military, from Syrskyi [Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine]... I really want him to tell President Trump everything. To tell him about it. After that, I will be ready to discuss these steps with President Trump."

Quote from Zelenskyy

The American side needs to understand the realities, to understand and see for themselves."

Quote from Zelenskyy

I told Kellogg I would go to the front with him if he’s prepared [to go],

Zelenskyy said, noting that

I don’t think we’re ready for boots on the ground." ... What about ships in the water?"

Zelenskyy said his ... The Ukrainian president responded

We will not accept that people who look at Germany from the outside intervene in our democracy and our elections,

Scholz said, in an apparent reference to Vance’s meeting with leaders from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party

A key focus was on Ukraine’s arms production, particularly long-range missiles and drones. Norway is already directly investing in our domestic defence industry, and we agreed to continue this cooperation,

Zelenskyy said

I stressed that the strongest and most cost-effective guarantee is NATO membership. Until Ukraine receives an invitation, it is of the utmost importance that our partners support the development of our strong modern military, air defence, long-range capabilities and a combat-ready navy,

Zelenskyy said