'Without Ukraine’s army, Europe alone can’t stop Russia': Zelenskyy calls for creation of European Armed Forces

The conference was broadcast by the President's Office.

Zelenskyy referred to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s remarks on the first day of the Munich Conference, in which he said, "The decades-old relationship between Europe and America is coming to an end. From now on, everything will be different, and Europe must adapt to this."

"I believe in Europe, and I believe that you do too. I urge you to act for yourselves, for the people of Europe, for your nations, your homes, your children, and our shared future. For this, Europe must become self-sufficient and united. A common force—Ukrainian and European," the Ukrainian president stated.

He emphasized that, at this moment, the Ukrainian army, with global support, is holding back Russia.

"But if not us, then who will stop them? Let’s be honest: right now, America can say 'no' to Europe on many issues that pose a threat to us. Many leaders have spoken about Europe needing its own army—the European Army. I truly believe that now is the time to establish the European Armed Forces," Zelenskyy stressed.

He noted that this is not just about increasing defense spending but also about people and the awareness of the need to protect their own home.

"Without Ukraine's army, European armies won’t be enough to stop Russia," Zelenskyy underlined, adding that only Ukraine’s army in Europe has real modern warfare experience.

At the same time, he acknowledged that Ukraine’s army alone is not enough: "And we need what you can provide: weapons, training, sanctions, financing, political pressure, and unity."

"Three years of full-scale war have already proven that we have the foundation for a united military force, and now we must build the European Armed Forces so that Europe's future depends only on Europeans and decisions about Europe are made in Europe," the president concluded.

• U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that Europe has retreated from the shared values it holds with Washington, specifically mentioning democracy and freedom of speech, which he said are eroding in the EU.