MUNICH (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Saturday for the creation of a European army, saying the continent could no longer be sure of protection from the United States and would only get respect from Washington with a strong military.
He also said Kyiv would never accept any deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war made behind its back, and predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would try to get U.S. President Donald Trump to Moscow's May 9 World War Two victory anniversary parade "not as a respected leader but as a prop in his own performance".
In an impassioned speech to the annual Munich Security Conference of global policymakers, Zelenskiy said an address by U.S. Vice President JD Vance the previous day had made clear the relationship between Europe and the United States was changing.
"Let's be honest - now we can't rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it," said Zelenskiy, speaking as the war triggered by Russia's invasion of his country will soon enter its fourth year.
"Many, many leaders have talked about (a) Europe that needs its own military and army. An army of Europe. And I really believe the time has come, the armed forces of Europe must be created."
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He also said Kyiv would never accept any deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war made behind its back, and predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would try to get U.S. President Donald Trump to Moscow's May 9 World War Two victory anniversary parade "not as a respected leader but as a prop in his own performance".
In an impassioned speech to the annual Munich Security Conference of global policymakers, Zelenskiy said an address by U.S. Vice President JD Vance the previous day had made clear the relationship between Europe and the United States was changing.
"Let's be honest - now we can't rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it," said Zelenskiy, speaking as the war triggered by Russia's invasion of his country will soon enter its fourth year.
"Many, many leaders have talked about (a) Europe that needs its own military and army. An army of Europe. And I really believe the time has come, the armed forces of Europe must be created."
More
