Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at a conference in Munich. Photo: Screenshot
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a powerful statement at the Munich Security Conference on 15 February, stressing that it was time for Europe to create its own armed forces and join forces with Ukraine.
“I believe in Europe. And you must believe. And I urge you to act – for your own sake and for the sake of Europe, the people of Europe, your nations, your homes, your children and our common future. To do this, Europe must become self-sufficient – united by a common force, Ukrainian and European,” Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State stressed that European forces would not be enough to stop Russian aggression without the Ukrainian army. “This is the reality now. Only our army in Europe has real, modern experience of war. But our army alone is not enough either. We need what you can provide – weapons, training, sanctions, funding, political pressure and unity,” he stressed.
Zelenskyy also warned of the possibility of a situation where the United States could say “no” to Europe on critical security issues, so the region must strengthen its own defence capabilities.
“Many leaders have said that Europe needs its own armed forces – the Army of Europe. I believe that this time has come. The European armed forces must be created,” he stressed, adding that such forces would not be an alternative to NATO, but would complement it.
