At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of a European military force to strengthen regional security, especially as the U.S. signals a possible pullback. “Are Europe’s armed forces ready?” he asked the audience, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Zelenskyy pointed out that Ukraine’s military alone can’t ensure its safety, and that Europe must ramp up defense spending. He also emphasized the need for Europeans to understand the stakes involved, as America may soon decide to step back from its longstanding security role in the region. “Let’s face it, there’s a real chance that the U.S. could say no to Europe if security is at risk,” he warned.
During his speech, which earned a standing ovation, Zelenskyy also dropped a bombshell: Ukrainian intelligence had evidence that Russia plans to send troops to Belarus this summer under the guise of military drills. Drawing a chilling comparison to Russia’s actions before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy suggested this could signal further aggression against neighboring European countries.
Zelenskyy also had strong words for Donald Trump and his supporters, reiterating Ukraine’s firm stance: no agreement will be accepted if it’s made without Ukraine’s involvement. He shared that during a call with Trump, the former U.S. president never mentioned Europe’s role in peace talks, something Zelenskyy decried. He urged European leaders, including those who often oppose Brussels, to take a united stand, warning that if Europe doesn’t, Moscow will step in.
Finally, Zelenskyy made it clear that NATO membership remains a key goal for Ukraine, and that any future discussions on security guarantees must include Ukraine’s place in the Western military alliance.
