Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the creation of a European Army in response to Russia’s military build-up, Politico reported.
Zelenskyy Calls For Creation of European Army
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the creation of a European Army in response to Russia’s military build-up, Politico reported. Zelenskyy also raised suspicion of a possibility that the US might say “no” to Europe on issues that might pose a threat to it.
“I really believe that the time has come for Europe to create its own armed forces, ” the Ukrainian President said. He added, “Let’s be honest, now we can’t rule out that America might say ‘no’ to Europe on issues that might threaten it.” He said that despite facing battlefield losses, Russian President Putin is adding 150,000 soldiers to his armed forces, which is said to be larger than the majority of European armies and is opening army recruitment offices every week.
US and Russian officials to hold talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine war
Senior US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to initiate talks aimed at ending Moscow’s nearly three-year war in Ukraine, according to a US lawmaker and sources familiar with the discussions. The planned negotiations come as US President Donald Trump has vowed to swiftly resolve the conflict. Trump held separate phone calls with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, raising concerns among European allies that they could be sidelined in the peace process.
The ongoing conflict has seen Russia control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, with its forces making slow advances in the east. Ukraine, facing manpower shortages, has continued to push for the withdrawal of Russian troops and long-term security guarantees, including NATO membership.
European Leaders Warn Against Ukraine Ceasefire
A group of European leaders agreed at a meeting in Paris on Monday they were ready to give Ukraine security guarantees, but it would be dangerous to conclude a ceasefire without a peace agreement at the same time, a European Union official said. “We are ready to provide security guarantees, with modalities to be examined with each party, depending on the level of American support,” said the official, summarising the results of the Paris meeting.
The meeting was called by French President Emmanuel Macron after US President Donald Trump arranged bilateral peace talks with Russia, excluding European allies and Ukraine from negotiations that are due to begin in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
