15.02.2025 18:04
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, called on European countries to establish a joint army in response to the potential threat of a Russian attack. Zelensky argued that NATO's expansion has been hindered by Putin's influence, stating that Putin currently appears to be the most "effective" person in NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech at a panel he attended in Munich, Germany, as part of the Munich Security Conference (MSC 2025).
HE REVEALED THE CONDITION FOR A MEETING WITH PUTIN
Referring to possible negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's security is important for all of Europe. He stated that he wants to first meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to agree on a common solution, but he could then meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Expressing that he sees his country's future in Europe, Zelensky noted that Europe should also be present at the negotiation table. He said that the Ukrainian side would not recognize any issue that it does not accept during the negotiations.
NATO COUNTRIES MAY BE UNDER THREAT
Claiming that the Russian army plans to increase its forces by 15 new divisions in 2025 due to Putin's decision, Zelensky stated that this means approximately 150,000 soldiers will join the army. He conveyed that he has clear information about Russia planning to send troops to Belarus under the pretext of military exercises during the summer, pointing out that this situation could also pose a threat to NATO countries. Zelensky said, "(The Russians) were gathering their forces in this way before a full-scale attack on Ukraine. Is the aim for these Russian forces in Belarus to attack Ukraine? Maybe, or perhaps it is for you (NATO countries)."
"EUROPEAN ARMED FORCES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED"
Arguing that Europe should be responsible for its own security against possible threats from Russia, Zelensky stated, "Let's be honest, we cannot ignore the possibility that America might say 'no' to Europe regarding issues that threaten itself." He emphasized that Europe needs to establish a joint army with Ukraine, stating that the right time has come for this, saying, "European armed forces should be established." Touching on his country's integration with NATO, Zelensky claimed that the expansion of the alliance has been hindered by Putin's influence, expressing that Putin appears to be the most "effective" person in NATO today.
"NATO SHOULD BE IN UKRAINE"
Stating that the Russian army is currently being stopped not by NATO but by the Ukrainian army, Zelensky emphasized that they need military assistance. He mentioned that Ukraine will not remove the issue of NATO membership from the agenda, noting that his country needs strong security guarantees today. Zelensky expressed that if Ukraine is not admitted to NATO, it will need an army of about 1.5 million soldiers to protect its own borders, saying, "That is why NATO should be in Ukraine." He pointed out that for the U.S. to support Europe, Europe also needs to be strong, stating, "I do not believe in security guarantees without America."