In the event of a possible withdrawal of the United States from the North Atlantic Alliance, Europe’s security will depend on the actions of the European Union, but only if it expands. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in the podcast The Rest Is Politics.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Which Countries Are Strategic Partners for the EU
According to the head of the Ukrainian state, four powerful countries must contribute to the formation of an effective defense capability for Europe: the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, and Norway. Zelensky emphasized that these countries are capable of creating an alliance that can counter the Russian Federation both on land and at sea and in the air. He stressed that the combined military capabilities of the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Turkey exceed the potential of the Russian army.
“Without Ukraine and Turkey, Europe cannot match Russia. With these four countries, we can control the seas, have secure skies, and the largest ground forces.”
The president emphasized that the goal is not offense, but ensuring a sustainable defense. According to him, Russia plans to increase its armed forces to 2.5 million by 2030, so Europe must think strategically to guarantee its independence and security.
Security Is a Priority for Europe
Zelensky also pointed out the need to expand the European Union, particularly with countries that have strong military potential. He noted the historical experience of the United Kingdom as an EU member, as well as concerns regarding Turkey’s agricultural sector, but emphasized that these issues can be resolved given a strong economy. The main value, in his opinion, should remain security, rather than economic factors.
It is worth noting that on April 1, former US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Reuters that he is considering the possibility of the US withdrawing from NATO due to the alliance’s insufficient support for American interests in Iran. In a comment to the British publication The Telegraph, he called NATO a “paper tiger” and emphasized that the decision regarding a potential withdrawal will not be reconsidered.
Experts currently do not have a definitive answer as to whether the US president can unilaterally withdraw the country from the alliance without a corresponding decision from Congress. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump is considering measures against those NATO members whom he believes did not sufficiently support American and Israeli forces during the military conflict in Iran. According to WSJ, it is planned that American troops may be withdrawn from the territories of alliance member countries that are not considered useful for military operations and relocated to more loyal partners.