Zelensky Urges Europe to Establish Independent Military Amid US Policy Shifts

MUNICH, Germany — Amid significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the establishment of a united European military force during the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Zelensky’s remarks came in response to a recent conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which raised concerns in Kyiv about the potential exclusion of Ukraine from peace negotiations. “Not once did [Trump] mention that America needs Europe at that table. That says a lot,” Zelensky stated.

During his speech, he emphasized that the era of unwavering U.S. support for Europe might be over, urging the continent to independently devise a collective foreign policy and military strategy. “Let’s be honest — we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say ‘No’ to Europe on issues that threaten it,” he added.

Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s envoy for Ukraine, reinforced Zelensky’s concerns by indicating that while European perspectives would be acknowledged in peace talks, they would not be direct participants. “We need to consider the Europeans’ positions, but they won’t be at the table,” Kellogg asserted.

Zelensky’s apprehension deepened when he spoke about his dissatisfaction with Trump’s decision to engage Putin before contacting him. He warned that it would be “more dangerous” if Trump met with Putin prior to him. “A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. I am not happy that his first call was to Putin,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader asserted that any discussions surrounding the conflict must include Ukraine. “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement,” he stated firmly. “No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe. Europe must have a seat at the table when decisions about Europe are being made,” he insisted.

In a striking moment, Zelensky conveyed to Trump during a private conversation that “Putin is afraid of him,” a statement that drew laughter from the audience. He cautioned against allowing Ukraine to be sidelined in negotiations, emphasizing that continuing stability in the region is contingent on Ukrainian participation.

Following Zelensky’s speech, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed his sentiments, proclaiming that Europe “urgently needs a plan of action” regarding Ukraine to prevent other global players from influencing the continent’s fate. “There’s no time to lose,” Tusk warned.

Vice President JD Vance’s previous remarks cast a shadow on U.S.-European relations, as he suggested that the U.S. could employ economic sanctions and military options if Russia does not engage sincerely in peace talks. The ambiguity surrounding U.S. commitments to Ukraine, especially juxtaposed with Trump’s more conciliatory stance towards Russia, has left European leaders anxious about their future security posture.

In conclusion, Zelensky’s call to action reflects not only a desire for a more fortified European military presence but also a profound concern about the changing dynamics of transatlantic relations. It signals a pivotal moment as Europe grapples with the repercussions of U.S. policy shifts.