Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that he proposed the creation of a 3 million strong European army to European leaders last year, highlighting what he sees as a slow response to worsening security threats across the continent.
Speaking during an online press briefing on January 20, Zelenskyy said the idea has not moved forward since it was first raised. His remarks were reported by European Pravda, a Kyiv based news outlet closely covering Ukrainian government statements.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that he proposed the creation of a 3 million strong European army to European leaders last year, highlighting what he sees as a slow response to worsening security threats across the continent.
- Zelenskyy Calls for European Military Unity
- Strategic Context for a European Army Proposal
- NATO, Europe, and Ukraine’s Security Calculus
Zelenskyy Calls for European Military Unity
Zelenskyy said he presented the concept to multiple European leaders in 2025, arguing that Europe needs a unified armed force capable of deterring large scale aggression without relying solely on the United States.
According to Zelenskyy, a full year has passed since the proposal was raised, yet no concrete steps have been taken. He suggested that ongoing geopolitical shocks, including the war in Ukraine and broader instability along NATO’s eastern flank, could now force European leaders to reconsider the idea.
Strategic Context for a European Army Proposal
The proposal for a European army has surfaced periodically in policy debates, often tied to discussions on European strategic autonomy. France and Germany have previously supported deeper defense coordination, while other countries have raised concerns about sovereignty, command structure, and overlap with NATO.
Zelenskyy’s comments come as European governments increase defense spending and reassess force readiness. Several EU states are expanding ground forces, ammunition stockpiles, and air defense capabilities in response to Russia’s continued military operations in Ukraine.
NATO, Europe, and Ukraine’s Security Calculus
While Zelenskyy did not outline how a 3 million strong European army would be organized or funded, his remarks underscore Kyiv’s long standing push for stronger European defense commitments.
NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, but Zelenskyy’s proposal reflects growing debate over whether Europe can field a large scale, independent force capable of rapid response.
