Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for the creation of a European army during a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

His comments arise amidst growing concerns about the dependability of U.S. support, particularly if Donald Trump were to return to the White House.

Zelensky emphasized that Europe needs to contemplate its future security independently of American assistance.

His statements follow Trump’s announcement of possible meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace talks, raising alarm among European leaders.

Zelensky remarked, “Let’s be truthful — we can no longer discount the possibility that America might refuse to support Europe on issues that pose a threat,” highlighting the urgency of his appeal for a unified European military force.

Discussions about a consolidated European armed force have taken place for several years but have yet to evolve into a definitive plan.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine's role is essential in any discussions regarding its future, declaring, "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe."

He expressed concerns that Russian strategies may seek to exploit Trump’s potential influence, suggesting that Putin could use Trump to advance his own aims.

Zelensky underscored the need for strong security guarantees from both the United States and European countries to deter any future Russian aggression post-peace agreement.

He asserted, “Putin cannot provide genuine security assurances, not only because he is deceitful but also because Russia, in its current condition, relies on war to maintain its grip on power.”

In response to Zelensky’s call for action, European leaders expressed their commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty remains protected.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that enduring peace hinges on upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the necessity for an autonomous European strategy regarding security issues, stating, "Europe urgently requires its own action plan concerning Ukraine and our security, or else other global players will dictate our future. This plan must be developed now. There’s no time to waste."

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that discussions in Europe are progressing into a stage of concrete planning for potential security guarantees.

While U.S. officials have insisted that Ukraine will not be abandoned after three years of conflict with Russia, mixed signals from Washington have created unease in Kyiv.

For example, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth suggested that Ukraine might not rejoin NATO or be able to regain all its territory, instilling fears in Ukraine regarding the terms of any potential peace settlement.

To strengthen U.S. support, Kyiv has been negotiating access to its rare earth mineral deposits as part of its security discussions, with Zelensky confirming ongoing talks after his meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

As Zelensky continues his diplomatic efforts, the situation for Ukrainian forces is developing on the battlefield.

The Russian military reported the capture of a village in eastern Donetsk, an area important for linking key regional towns.

Despite advances in the region, Russian forces have suffered significant losses while maintaining steady progress in eastern Ukraine.

Additionally, a Russian drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear site raised concerns, though radiation levels were reported to be stable.

Zelensky stated, “A country that carries out such attacks does not desire peace. No. They don’t want it. They are not preparing for dialogue.”