Overview
- Zelensky, in a UK podcast interview released Friday, said the EU "needs more countries" and named the UK, Ukraine, Türkiye and Norway.
- He argued the four would give Europe control of the seas and skies and the largest land forces, claiming their combined power could outmatch Russia.
- He warned Russia plans to build its military to 2.5 million troops by 2030, urging Europe to rethink how it protects its independence.
- The appeal sets no policy in motion, since EU entry needs unanimous approval and long talks, and each country faces hurdles such as a UK Brexit reversal, Norway’s past no votes, EU concerns about Türkiye, and Ukraine’s ongoing war.
- The remarks were aired on The Rest Is Politics and echoed by his office, as Ukrainian media stressed the security case and British outlets focused on Brexit politics and questions about NATO under President Trump.