Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy has just announced that he wants a “European army,” saying said in his Feb. 15 address to the Munich Security Council, that the time has come for the creation of an “armed forces of Europe,” because the U.S. may no longer be counted on to support the continent. Ramping up his desire (more like a fantasy) for what AP called “a more muscular and mighty Europe,” Zelenskyy said “Many, many leaders have talked about Europe that needs its own military, and army—an Army of Europe. … Three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force. And now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, we must build the Armed Forces of Europe.”
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement. And the same rule should apply to all of Europe,” Zelenskyy blustered, sullenly going on to complain: “A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at that table. That says a lot. The old days are over—when America supported Europe just because it always had.”
“Three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force. And now, as we fight this war and lay the groundwork for peace and security, we must build the Armed Forces of Europe,” Zelenskyy declared. Zelenskyy had assured that his idea wasn’t about replacing NATO, but “This is about making Europe’s contribution to our partnership equal to America’s.”
