Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the creation of an “armed forces of Europe” amid a growing rift with the US over its support for the country. The proposal comes as US Vice President JD Vance lectured European leaders on democracy and met with far-right party officials, further straining transatlantic ties.
Zelenskyy’s idea is not about replacing NATO but making Europe’s contribution to the partnership equal to America’s. He cited a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as evidence that the time has come for a more muscular Europe. The Ukrainian leader insisted that Europe should also have a seat at the table in negotiations with Russia.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hit back at Vance, condemning the new political tack from Washington and affirming his country’s commitment to preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty. Scholz rejected any interference in Germany’s democracy and elections, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic values.
The Munich Security Conference has highlighted a growing chasm in transatlantic ties, with Europeans reeling after Trump’s decision to hold talks with Putin on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Gen. Keith Kellogg, all but ruled out Europeans participating in any peace talks, sparking concerns about the future of Ukraine.
European leaders are now calling for unity and cooperation to address the crisis. Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s foreign minister, described the new US stance as a “moment of truth” that requires European leaders to overcome their differences and unite for a meaningful peace in Ukraine.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/zelenskyy-calls-for-european-army-as-eu-leaders-bristle-at-trumps-stance-on-ukraine