Ukraine’s acting President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose term has expired, has called for the creation of an “Army of Europe” ahead of upcoming negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.
The Munich Security Conference in February 2025 brought together high-ranking decision-makers and influential opinion leaders from around the world to discuss European security and geopolitical issues. During the conference, Zelensky received a prolonged standing ovation upon taking the podium.
In his speech, Zelensky addressed various concerns, including his ambition for Ukraine to become a European nuclear power, apprehensions about U.S. Vice-President JD Vance’s reluctance to continue the support previously provided by the Biden administration, and his goal of forming a joint European-Ukrainian army to confront Russia.
“Europe needs to become self-sufficient and united by common strengths, Ukrainian and European… Ukraine’s Army, supported by global aid, is holding back Russia… but if not us, then who will stop them?” he said.
“Really… let’s be honest now, we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on an issue that threatens it (Europe)… many leaders have talked about a Europe that needs its own military… an army of Europe. I really believe that (the) time has come (that) the Armed Forces of Europe must be created.”
At the conference, Zelensky also highlighted that Mr Vance had explicitly stated the traditional relationship between Europe and the United States is “ending”, emphasising that Europe “needs to adjust to that”.
Additionally, he asserted that Ukraine would “never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement” following the agreement between Trump and Putin to initiate peace talks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the first known call between Trump and Putin since Trump resumed office took place on February 12 and lasted 1.5 hours. Trump described the discussion as “lengthy and highly productive”, noting that both leaders agreed to “work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s nations”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on February 13, Trump stated: “I think President Putin wants peace, and President Zelensky wants peace, and I want peace.”
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(31:16)… pic.twitter.com/PgL3og9lTE— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 10, 2025
While both Ukraine and Russia have expressed a desire for peace, Russia has stated they do not wish to include Zelensky in negotiations, arguing that his continued tenure is unofficial and undemocratic, prolonged solely due to the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Russia has insisted that no ceasefire will occur during the negotiations. Despite this, Trump remains optimistic about finding a resolution to the war.
With Ukraine heavily reliant on foreign aid and its defensive lines weakening, many analysts believe the war is effectively nearing its conclusion.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Daniel Davis, speaking to Tucker Carlson, argued that the war has become senseless, causing unnecessary loss of life, and is being perpetuated by warmongering neo-con figures seeking to use the conflict for political leverage.
Davis emphasised that with Russian forces taking aim at Ukrainian defensive positions in the Sumy region, approximately 330km from Kyiv, it is crucial for Europe and the U.S. to take the conflict seriously and push for its swift resolution to prevent further loss of life.
as of February 15, 2025 (Institute for the Study of War)
As of February 16, 2025, the conflict remains intense with ongoing military confrontations and political manoeuvres. Russian news agency TASS reported significant casualties inflicted on Ukrainian forces, including over 280 in the Kursk region and approximately 150 by Russia’s Battlegroup East in recent engagements.
TASS also noted that Ukrainian forces currently control 20% of Chasov Yar in the Donetsk People’s Republic, with continuous clashes in the area.
On the diplomatic front, discussions between Trump and Putin aim to achieve a peaceful resolution, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressing hope that a U.S.-Russia agreement could facilitate Russia’s reintegration into the global economic system and European security framework. However, non-Russian sources have not been identified to corroborate these claims.
Header image: Zelensky speaking in Munich (BR24).
