Overview
- Zelensky proposed that Ukraine’s army serve as the backbone of a future European Joint Force, saying the country lacks time during the war to complete legal, bureaucratic and funding steps.
- He urged European governments to establish the financial base now to retain experienced Ukrainian personnel once fighting ends.
- He argued Europe should create a unified armed force rather than rely solely on NATO guarantees.
- He cited plans and documents he says show Russia aims to expand its military to as many as 3.5 million by 2030 and already has at least 1.5 million people with war experience.
- Coverage notes Europe fields roughly 1.5 million troops today, so reaching 3 million would require doubling ranks despite demographic, legal and budget constraints.