![[FILE] Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press conference with his Moldovan counterpart following their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, 25 January 2025. EFE-EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO](https://pre.efe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rss-efe51116891819c4f39c890af631c26fd349d8fdb4aw.jpg)
Munich, Germany, Feb 15 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged European leaders on Saturday to set up a unified European Armed Forces, arguing that it would strengthen the continent’s defense against Russia and ensure that the United States takes Europe seriously in global decision-making.
“The time has come to create the Armed Forces of Europe,” Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference, stressing that Europe’s future should be determined by Europeans themselves.
The Ukrainian leader noted that US President Donald Trump did not mention Europe’s role in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia during a recent phone call.
He warned that Europe “must have a seat at the table” when decisions about its future are made.
“No decision on Ukraine without Ukraine. No decision on Europe without Europe,” Zelenskyy said, echoing concerns from European leaders about the US holding talks with Russia and Ukraine without consulting the European Union or its member states.
The Ukrainian president urged European leaders to form their own unified army so that the US do not see the continent simply “as a market,” but also “as an ally” that you are bound to rely on.
He argued that a European Army would ensure that the US sees Europe not just “as a market” but as a strategic ally.
Addressing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who was in attendance, Zelenskyy clarified that the proposed force would not replace NATO but rather serve as a means to balance Europe’s contribution with that of the US, a demand Trump has repeatedly pushed for since his first term.
Zelenskyy called for European unity in facing these challenges. “If it’s not Brussels, it will be Moscow. It’s your decision,” he warned. EFE
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