Zelensky calls for a European army and questions if the US remains an ally of Europe

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has told the Munich security conference that only a European army – self sufficient and united – can hold back Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the 61st Munich Security Conference. Picture: Getty

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has told the Munich security conference that only a European army – self sufficient and united – can hold back Russia as he questioned whether the United States was an ally of Europe.

Zelensky’s call for all of the European nations to form a stand alone military force, which would be independent of the United States, comes after the Trump administration has vetoed Ukrainian membership of NATO being part of any peace deal being negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His remarks also follow US vice president JD Vance who shocked the conference accusing European leaders of dismantling traditional values of free speech and blaming them for ignoring the wishes of the public.

Zelensky’s view of establishing a European military force was received with gentle applause, illustrating the deeply divided opinions of the various countries which make up the EU on the issue.

But Zelensky argued such a united Europe army would show Europe’s strength, and it could work as an equal partner as part of the NATO alliance or separately within Ukraine.

In his speech Zelensky said: “Some in Europe may not understand what is happening in Washington right now. We must give strength to Europe first. Do we need the US? As trading markets, yes, as an ally, I don’t know.”

He added: “For the answer to be ‘yes’, Europe needs to speak with one voice.”

“Some may be frustrated with Brussels. If not Brussels then Moscow, it is your decision.”

Zelensky urged Europe to have a “single voice and not a dozen different ones’, adding,

“Even those who regularly come to (president Donald Trump’s base in) Maralago need to be part of a strong Europe because Trump doesn’t like weak friends, he respects strength’’.

Zelensky said that Trump had told him of a conversation he had had with Putin.

“Not once did he mention that the US needs Europe at the table, and that says a lot,’’ Zelensky said.

“The old days are over when the US supported Europe because they always have. He said what matters is not family you are born into but the one you built.”

Zelensky said Europe needed to build close relationship with the US calling for unified foreign policy, co-ordinated diplomacy, and a policy of common Europe.

“Moscow will pull Europe apart if we don’t trust each other,’’ he said.

He said that Ukraine needs NATO to maintain peace after the war, or else there needs to be “the ability to build another NATO inside of Ukraine”. He also demanded that Ukraine and Europe be involved in any peace talks held by the United States with Russia.

“We will never accept deals made behind our back without our involvement, it we are left out of decisions and about our own future then we will lose,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader was meet with a standing ovation at the end of the speech when he accused Putin of being a liar, and that Russia needs war so that the Kremlin can hold onto power.