Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the era of guaranteed U.S. support for Europe's security is over, urging European nations to build a unified army as the continent faces escalating threats from Russia. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Zelensky underscored the need for Europe to take responsibility for its own defense amid shifting geopolitical alliances.
"The old days are over-when America supported Europe just because it always had," Zelensky said. "We must build the armed forces of Europe so that Europe's future depends only on Europeans, and decisions on Europe are made in Europe."
The call for European military self-sufficiency comes as concerns grow over U.S. commitments to NATO and Ukraine's defense. Zelensky's remarks followed a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, which raised concerns in Kyiv that Ukraine could be sidelined in potential peace negotiations. "A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at that table. That says a lot," Zelensky said.
Zelensky also warned that it would be "very dangerous" if Trump met with Putin before meeting him, emphasizing that any decisions about Ukraine should not be made without Ukrainian involvement. "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe," he said.
The Ukrainian leader expressed concerns over Russia's military intentions, claiming that Moscow is not preparing for diplomatic dialogue but rather reinforcing its military presence in Belarus, which he described as a new "Russian province." He suggested that Ukraine's eastern border, along with Belarus's border and those of the Baltic states and Finland, could form a critical security line for Europe.
On Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance addressed the Munich Security Conference, but his speech largely avoided discussion of Ukraine and instead focused on European defense responsibilities. "Yesterday here in Munich, the U.S. vice president made it clear-decades of the old relationship between Europe and America are ending. From now on, things will be different, and Europe needs to adjust to that," Zelensky said.
The future of U.S. support for Ukraine remains uncertain. While Trump assured last week that he would not seek to deport Prince Harry, he did not offer similar reassurances regarding continued military aid to Kyiv. The former president has previously suggested that Washington should negotiate directly with Moscow, raising fears among Ukrainian officials that Kyiv's role in future peace talks could be diminished.
Zelensky insisted that Ukraine would not accept any settlement that excludes its security guarantees. "We cannot agree to a ceasefire without real security guarantees," he said. "Putin cannot offer real security guarantees-not just because he is a liar, but because Russia, in its current state, needs war to hold power together."
Ukraine's NATO membership prospects remain in limbo. Zelensky acknowledged that while NATO accession remains a priority, Russia's influence continues to obstruct the process. "Right now, the most influential member of NATO seems to be Putin-because his whims have the power to block NATO decisions," he said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed Zelensky's concerns, warning that Europe "urgently needs a plan of action" regarding Ukraine's security. "This plan must be prepared now. There's no time to lose," Tusk wrote on X.
As discussions over Ukraine's security continue, the Ukrainian president remains firm on one key issue: Ukraine will not be excluded from the decision-making process. "Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement," he said.
