Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of a European armed forces, arguing that his country's fight against Russia has already laid the foundation for such an initiative. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Zelenskyy warned that Europe must prepare for the possibility that the United States could scale back its commitments to European security. "The armed forces of Europe must be created," Zelenskyy declared. "Many leaders have long spoken about how Europe needs its own military. I really believe that time has come." He noted that Ukraine's three years of full-scale war against Russia have already demonstrated the necessity of a unified European defense strategy. Zelenskyy also referenced recent talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump suggested a peace deal might soon be negotiated. The Ukrainian leader expressed concern that the U.S. may prioritize its own approach over Europe's interests. "A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table. That says a lot," Zelenskyy stated. He emphasized that Ukraine would not accept any deal negotiated without its direct involvement, calling for security guarantees before entering peace talks with Russia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz followed Zelenskyy's remarks with a firm rebuke of recent U.S. political rhetoric. Scholz strongly criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had scolded European leaders over their approach to democracy and free speech. The German leader accused the Trump administration of interfering in Germany's domestic politics, particularly in light of next week's election. "We will not accept that people who look at Germany from the outside intervene in our democracy and our elections," Scholz said, in an apparent reference to Vance's meeting with leaders from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He also invoked Germany's historical commitment to preventing the rise of extremism, reaffirming that "Never Again" remains a guiding principle against the resurgence of far-right politics. In response to Vance's claims that free speech is "in retreat" in Europe, Scholz countered by defending Germany's legal framework against hate speech, stressing that freedom of expression should not violate existing laws. European leaders are increasingly grappling with a shifting U.S. stance on transatlantic security. The Trump administration has signaled a more transactional approach to NATO and European defense, leaving many European officials uncertain about Washington's long-term commitment. Zelenskyy reiterated his demand for strong security guarantees before engaging in any potential negotiations with Russia, adding that he would only meet Putin after establishing a coordinated plan with Trump. Meanwhile, Vance continued to push a new U.S. stance, arguing that Europe's biggest threat was not external actors like Russia or China but internal political and ideological divisions. "What I worry about is the threat from within—the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America," Vance warned. — Agencies
