Zelenskyy calls for creation of joint European army
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed creating «Unifed Armed Forces of Europe» that could effectively protect the continent from external aggression. The initiative was voiced amid concerns over the threat from Russia.
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Zelenskyy / © Getty Images
Speaking in Davos, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged European leaders to combine their defense capabilities into a single European armed force. He said such a structure could provide real protection against future threats.
The Ukrainian president said this at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
«Unifed Army of Europe»: what is known about the proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he believes that the current system of collective security, in which NATO plays a key role, does not always demonstrate an ability to counter aggression on the European continent. According to him, the challenges facing Europe today require new approaches to security.
«If Putin decides to seize Lithuania or strike Poland, who will respond?», Zelenskyy asked rhetorically during his speech.
The Ukrainian leader urged Europe not to delay addressing the issue of defense. He stressed that Ukraine is ready not only to defend its own independence but also to take an active part in building a strong and united security system.
«We are ready to help others become stronger than they are now. We are ready to be part of a strong Europe, ” he said.
Zelenskyy underlined that the current realities of war are forcing a rethink of defense strategies: if today the threat is hanging over Ukraine, tomorrow it could also affect EU member states. Acting in advance, he said, is better than waiting for tragedy.