During his address, Zelenskyy described Putin as a “pathological liar” who cannot be trusted to provide genuine security guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to establish its own armed forces in response to Russia’s growing military strength. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), he also voiced concerns about the possibility of the United States withdrawing support from Europe on critical security matters.
“I really believe that the time has come for Europe to create its own armed forces,” Zelenskyy said. “Let’s be honest, now we can’t rule out that America might say ‘no’ to Europe on issues that might threaten it.”
According to a report by Politico, Zelenskyy emphasised the need for Europe to unite under a common foreign and defence policy. He argued that by doing so, the continent could demonstrate its commitment to its own security, reducing reliance on external powers like the US.
“Europe has everything it takes. It just needs to come together and start acting so that no one can say ‘no’ to it, boss it around, or treat it like a pushover,” he stated.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted Russia’s continued military build-up despite battlefield setbacks, warning that President Vladimir Putin is reinforcing his army with 150,000 additional soldiers. This expansion, he noted, surpasses the size of most European armies. Additionally, he pointed out that Moscow is opening new military recruitment offices every week.
“Oil prices are still high enough for him to ignore the world,” Zelenskyy said, referring to the revenue Russia continues to generate despite international sanctions.
He also claimed that Ukraine’s intelligence services had gathered evidence suggesting that Russia plans to deploy troops to Belarus under the guise of training exercises this summer. He warned that this move could mark the beginning of Russian operations against neighbouring European nations.
NATO’s military committee chair, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, acknowledged Zelenskyy’s concerns but said the alliance had not yet confirmed the intelligence regarding Belarus. “I believe that Western intelligence agencies are perfectly active in this, so I would expect confirmations,” he stated.
During his address, Zelenskyy described Putin as a “pathological liar” who cannot be trusted to provide genuine security guarantees. He insisted that any peace negotiations should not be conducted behind Ukraine’s back.
“Putin cannot offer real security guarantees. Not just because he is a pathological liar but because Russia, in its current state, needs war to hold power together. And the world must be protected from that,” he said.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), even as former US President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that NATO membership for Ukraine was unlikely in any future peace agreement.
“I also will not take NATO membership for Ukraine off the table,” he declared. “But right now, the most influential member of NATO seems to be Putin because his whims have the power to block NATO decisions.”
The Ukrainian President also revealed that a Russian drone carrying at least 15 kilograms of explosives had struck the sarcophagus of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor just hours before the MSC began.
“This is not just madness, this is Russia’s stance,” he said. “A country that launches such attacks does not want peace.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks come at a crucial moment in Europe’s security landscape, as NATO allies continue to navigate their response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. His call for a unified European defence force could spark further discussions on the continent’s long-term security strategy.
