Zelensky: Europe Must Form a Unified Military Force and Become Self-Sufficient

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, called for the establishment of a joint European military force and emphasized that the continent must become self-sufficient in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and uncertainty in American support. He described this situation as a 'new reality.' In his speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, Zelensky stated, 'We must create the armed forces of Europe so that the future of this continent depends solely on Europeans and decisions about Europe are made in Europe.' Zelensky warned that Ukraine and Europe should not be sidelined from negotiations to end the war, as this could lead to an agreement favorable to Moscow. Speaking on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he stressed that Ukraine will not abandon its NATO membership request and will not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees. He said, 'If NATO membership is not possible, conditions must be created for Ukraine to establish its own NATO.' Zelensky expressed doubts about the level of American commitment to European security, stating, 'Does America need Europe? As a market, yes. But as an ally? I don’t know.' His remarks came just a day after meeting with senior American officials, including JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, who emphasized the need for a 'sustainable peace' in Ukraine. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine demands real security guarantees from Washington before any negotiations with Russia to end the war. In an interview with NBC on February 14, he stated that if a ceasefire is established without real security guarantees, Ukraine will be vulnerable again in a few years. He warned that Putin is not seeking to end the war but wants a temporary ceasefire to lift some sanctions, rebuild his forces, and prepare for another attack. 'This is exactly what he wants – a pause to equip, train forces, and lift some sanctions under the pretext of a ceasefire.' JD Vance, representing Trump at the meeting, stated that the United States is seeking 'a peace that prevents renewed conflict in Eastern Europe.' He emphasized that 'positive dialogues' have taken place with Ukrainian officials and that these negotiations will continue in the coming days, weeks, and months. Zelensky described his meeting with Vance as 'constructive negotiations' and stated that Ukraine is ready to cooperate to end the war, but only if real security guarantees are received. The U.S. and Turkish foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the Munich conference. Zelensky noted that a Russian drone struck the protective shield of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Vance warned about the consequences of Russia's opposition to establishing peace with Ukraine. Rubio stated that without Trump, the prospect of ending the war between Russia and Ukraine would not exist. Zelensky rejected a bilateral agreement between Russia and the U.S. to end the war in Ukraine. The U.S. stated that the primary responsibility for defending Europe lies with Europeans.