This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity of creating united armed forces for Europe. In response to journalists’ questions about Ukraine’s readiness to join a potential defense coalition at the European Union level, Zelensky highlighted that he had expressed such an idea last year on international platforms.
Threat from Russia and the Need for a Joint Army
According to the president, Russia plans to increase its army to 2–2.5 million personnel by 2030. In this regard, Zelensky believes that the united Armed Forces of Europe, which could respond to potential threats, should number at least 3 million servicemen. At the same time, each EU country will maintain its own sovereign army, but together they will create joint forces to respond to security challenges.
“I spoke about joint, united Armed Forces of Europe. Why? Because the threat from Russia is clear. They plan to have an army of 2-2.5 million by 2030. Therefore, the army in Europe, considering that each country will undoubtedly retain its own sovereign army, must have at least 3 million united Armed Forces ready to respond to the challenges.”
Zelensky stressed that he has already approached the leaders of European countries with this initiative, but so far no steps have been taken to meet his proposal. He added that recent events in Europe could stimulate a reconsideration of this position.
Ukraine Ready to Become a Fundamental Part of European Security
Separately, the president commented on reports from Western media about the possibility of European countries forming a new military-political alliance due to U.S. policy. Zelensky emphasized that the creation of the Armed Forces of Europe is not competition with America, and that Europe, as a separate continent, has the right to possess its own powerful army.
He also noted that Ukraine could become one of the key participants in strengthening such an army if European leaders support the corresponding initiative. According to him, this involves not only human resources but also the exchange of military technologies.
Zelensky remarked that Ukraine, which has significant experience in warfare, can share unique technologies with partners while also receiving intelligence data, for example, from France. He stressed that Ukrainian developments and experience allow for the improvement and adaptation of Western weapons that are actively used in the defense of the country. The president believes that for effective security in Europe, it is necessary to establish not only a joint army but also an extensive system of technological exchange, arms depots, and air defense systems across Europe.
Against the backdrop of the growing threat from Russia and changes in U.S. policy regarding European security, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius supported the creation of a European Security Council. He emphasized the importance of Europe taking more responsibility for its own defense.