Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning that Russia poses an imminent threat to Europe stating that risk of Russian occupation is "100%" if United States withdraws its support. Speaking at Munich Security Conference Zelensky emphasized that Europe must become more self-reliant in the face of potential Russian aggression suggesting creation of a European army to counter future threats. He argued that Europe can no longer depend on the US to guarantee its security particularly given the shifting foreign policy priorities under the Trump administration and the potential for a US withdrawal from NATO. Zelensky voiced concerns that any peace negotiations between the US and Russia regarding Ukraine should include Ukraine fearing that agreements brokered without Ukrainian participation would undermine the country interests and sovereignty.
Zelensky highlighted the disparity in military forces between Russia and Europe stating that Russia has a significant numerical advantage. He noted that Ukraine's army consists of 110 brigades while Russia fields 220 and plans to expand to 250. In contrast Europe including America troops stationed there has only about 82 combat brigades. Zelensky warned that without Ukraine holding back Russian forces Europe could face a full-scale Russian occupation. He added that Russia intends to increase its forces by 12-15 divisions, around 150000 troops through mobilization, training and the addition of North Korean soldiers with new recruits potentially being trained in Belarus. He cautioned that Russia could invade Poland or Lithuania.
Zelensky remarks come amid growing concerns that the Trump administration may weaken its commitment to NATO and potentially withdraw troops from Europe. He predicted that without the threat of US military retaliation Russia would begin occupying parts of Europe, particularly former Soviet nations. He warned that European NATO members do not have the military capacity to defend themselves without the U.S.. Zelensky called for Europe to have a seat at the table when decisions about Europe are being made emphasizing that Ukraine needs security guarantees from both the US. and the EU. However not all European leaders agree with Zelensky's assessment with a Polish minister stating that Zelensky's proposed European army "will not happen"
Zelensky highlighted the disparity in military forces between Russia and Europe stating that Russia has a significant numerical advantage. He noted that Ukraine's army consists of 110 brigades while Russia fields 220 and plans to expand to 250. In contrast Europe including America troops stationed there has only about 82 combat brigades. Zelensky warned that without Ukraine holding back Russian forces Europe could face a full-scale Russian occupation. He added that Russia intends to increase its forces by 12-15 divisions, around 150000 troops through mobilization, training and the addition of North Korean soldiers with new recruits potentially being trained in Belarus. He cautioned that Russia could invade Poland or Lithuania.
Zelensky remarks come amid growing concerns that the Trump administration may weaken its commitment to NATO and potentially withdraw troops from Europe. He predicted that without the threat of US military retaliation Russia would begin occupying parts of Europe, particularly former Soviet nations. He warned that European NATO members do not have the military capacity to defend themselves without the U.S.. Zelensky called for Europe to have a seat at the table when decisions about Europe are being made emphasizing that Ukraine needs security guarantees from both the US. and the EU. However not all European leaders agree with Zelensky's assessment with a Polish minister stating that Zelensky's proposed European army "will not happen"
