Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the formation of a European Army in response to Russia’s military expansion, as per a report by Politico. Zelensky while addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC) highlighted the need for Europe to take control of its security. He also warned that the United States may not assist the continent in matters of defense always.
Zelensky Call for European Military Unity
‘’I truly believe that the time has come for Europe to start its armed force,’’ Zelensky stated, as reported by ANI. He warned that Europe could not ignore the possibility of the US refusing support on security issues. He appealed to the European Union to unite and make a coordinated foreign and defense policy to showcase its commitment to security, stating, ‘’Europe has everything it requires. It just has to act so that no one orders its own terms and considers it as insignificant.’’
Zelensky underlined Russia’s ongoing military build-up despite facing losses. He pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin is growing his forces by 150,000 soldiers, exceeding the size of most European armies. Moreover, he also warned that Russia is constantly enlarging its recruitment offices.
The Ukrainian President has also raised concerns about an intelligence report that indicates that Russia is planning to position troops in Belarus under the cover of training exercises. This move can be the onset of new operations against European nations. The warning has not been confirmed yet as stated by Nato’s military committee chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
Zelensky also blamed Putin for being a ‘’pathological liar’’ who cannot give real security guarantees. He maintained that Ukraine would never agree to any peace deals that have been made without its involvement. He argued that Russia’s need for war is necessary to maintain internal power.
Reinstating Ukraine’s commitment to NATO, Zelenskyy rejected recent claims by US leaders that Ukraine’s membership in the alliance was off the table. He claimed, ‘’I will not remove NATO membership for Ukraine from the discussion.’’
(More inputs from ANI)