Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for creation of European army

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday called for the creation of "armed forces of Europe," calling for increased European self-sufficiency, citing wavering American support for the continent. 

"I really believe that time has come. The armed forces of Europe must be created so that Europe’s future depends only on Europeans," said Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

The "Americans might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it," added Zelenskyy. 

Zelenskyy warned Russia was "not preparing for dialogue" to end the current war. He said Ukraine's three-year fight against Russia proved that a foundation exists for the often-discussed European army already exists. 

The Ukrainian President met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday to discuss the possibility of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal, but asked for "security guarantees" before any talks can progress. 

In an interview with NBC News on Friday, Zelenskyy said it would be "very, very, very difficult" for Ukraine to survive without U.S. military support, both currently and in the future once the war ends. 

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for an agreement with Ukraine to access its rare earth minerals in return for the U.S. aiding the country's defense against Russia. 

The U.S. has asked European nations to provide proposals on the weaponry, peacekeeping troops and security arrangements they could provide Ukraine with as part of any security guarantees to end its war with Russia, the Financial Times reported Saturday

According to the FT, Washington intends to gauge Europe's willingness to protect Kyiv after a settlement with Russia and scope out the price Europe is willing to pay to be involved in the talks with Moscow. 

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