President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian army, with its real combat experience, could become the backbone of Europe’s united forces, but that the war, as well as legal and financial constraints, currently stand in the way.
The head of state said this while speaking with journalists.
“Honestly, everyone understands that we have the largest and most experienced army today, with real wartime experience. Everyone understands this — among all European armies — precisely because we are at war. That is why the Ukrainian army could serve as the foundation for Europe’s united forces,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the President stressed that implementing this idea would require time and a number of decisions.
“To do this, several steps are needed that we simply do not have time for today, because there are legal steps, bureaucratic steps, and steps related to securing sources of financing. We do not have time for this because we are focused on the front,” Zelenskyy explained.
He emphasized that Ukraine would be ready to join such a structure after the war ends.
“As soon as the war is over, we would certainly join this structure,” the President said.
Zelenskyy also outlined Europe’s role in preparing for this process, particularly in terms of financial support.
“What could Europe do? What we have always said is this: prepare the entire financial base now, because we have an army, and we will continue to have a strong army,” he stressed.
According to the President, it is important to preserve the combat experience of military personnel.
“In order not to lose this experience, strong additional financial support for these people is needed — to encourage them to remain in the army. For this, a funding source is required, and Europe can definitely find it,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that this is one of the fundamental steps to preserving experienced personnel who will later pass on knowledge and technologies.
