Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for a European army of at least 3 million soldiers to counter Russia’s military expansion.
European Military Forces
On Tuesday, January 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his appeal for the creation of joint European military forces. “Russia plans to create an army of 2 to 2.5 million soldiers by 2030. Therefore, the European army, while maintaining the sovereign forces of each state, must be able to react. It should not number less than three million,” Zelenski told journalists.
First Appeal in Munich
The Ukrainian leader first called for the creation of joint military forces at last February’s Munich Security Conference. “I believe in Europe and I am convinced that you also believe in it. I encourage you to act for your own good and our common future,” Zelenski said, emphasizing that Europe needs to create a common army and that a decision on this matter should be made as quickly as possible.
Lack of Action by European Leaders
Now, Zelensky noted that European leaders have not taken any steps in this direction so far. “Perhaps now, in the face of new challenges, European leaders will take this more seriously,” he emphasized and pointed out that joint military forces would not mean competition with the United States and would not require the elimination of NATO. He added that Ukraine could become the foundation of this army due to its combat experience and knowledge in military technology.
Concerns About Greenland Distraction
President Zelenski also admitted that he fears President Donald Trump’s pressures regarding the acquisition of Greenland might divert attention from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “I worry about any loss of attention during a full-scale war,” Zelenski told journalists. He added that the dispute around Greenland and the war in Ukraine should not be treated as “interchangeable.” “We have a full-scale war, we have a specific aggressor, and we have specific victims,” he emphasized.