"Ukraine's army is part of the security of all of Europe" – Zelensky
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at a conference after talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on March 20, 2025. Photo: video screenshot
Ukraine's armed forces serve as the primary guarantor of national security. Currently, and moving forward, they are also integral to European security. Consequently, Ukraine's international partners should also bear the responsibility for funding and equipping its military.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasized this in an interview with the American weekly Time.
The head of state specified that the United States is also among Ukraine's partners, although he "relies more on Europe" now.
"They [Europe – ed.] truly believe, and it's true, that our army is part of the security of all of Europe. That's a fact. Our people will not run away if another war kicks off. Whereas Europe, in general, is not ready to act like that", the Ukrainian leader noted.
In the event of a new war, the Ukrainian army "will be able to hold out as long as necessary," but the Ukrainian military "needs rest, rotation, reserves, and salary."
This is a real problem for Ukraine alone because we now have "an army three times larger than it was." According to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, this is 800,000 military personnel.
"It [the army – ed..] needs to be financed. The budget of Ukraine will not be enough. There needs to be separate programs. Europe needs to finance it. Ideally, Europe and America. But in the present circumstances, I would rely more on Europe," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO acknowledged Russia as Europe's primary threat. Despite this, the European Union is constructing its security framework, aiming to reduce reliance on the North Atlantic Alliance. Within this system, Ukraine, sharing a border with Russia, holds a significant strategic position.
For reference:
It should be noted that the EU has proposed creating a fund to send military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 20 to 40 billion euros. The fund will operate based on voluntary participation to avoid a veto from Hungary.
The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, has proposed an urgent military aid package that includes plans to provide Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, and other types of assistance.
However, the European Union may change its approach to military aid to Ukraine, focusing on the immediate supply of two million artillery shells, rather than creating an extensive support fund. The European Union is currently working on implementing this initiative to provide the Ukrainian army with the necessary ammunition as soon as possible.
