Two key European leaders voiced strong concerns over recent U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed the formation of an “armed forces of Europe” and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned foreign interference in Germany’s elections. Their statements at the Munich Security Conference reflected growing tensions as Europe struggles to adapt to Trump’s shifting stance on transatlantic relations.
Ukraine Calls for Stronger European Defense
Zelenskyy’s speech underscored the urgency for a more independent European defense strategy. He argued that Ukraine’s three-year battle against Russia proves that Europe has the foundation to create its own military force.
“I really believe that time has come,” he said. “The armed forces of Europe must be created.”
While some European leaders have long discussed the idea of a European army, it remains unclear whether this proposal will gain widespread support. The European Union and the United States have been Ukraine’s strongest allies, but internal disagreements, financial constraints, and political divisions have hindered efforts to strengthen defense capabilities.
Zelenskyy also responded to a recent phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump later said he and Putin could soon meet to negotiate a peace deal for Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine must be directly involved in any discussions.
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement, and the same rule should apply to all of Europe,” Zelenskyy stated. “A few days ago, President Trump told me about his conversation with Putin. Not once did he mention that America needs Europe at the table. That says a lot.”
Zelenskyy warned that European security depends on a collective response, emphasizing that a unified military force could balance Europe’s reliance on the U.S. and NATO. He clarified that his proposal is not meant to replace NATO but to make Europe’s contribution to defense equal to that of the United States.
German Chancellor Pushes Back Against U.S. Interference
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took a firm stand, expressing concern about external influence in his country’s upcoming elections. His comments were directed at U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who recently met with a far-right German political leader.
Scholz affirmed Germany’s commitment to defending democracy against rising far-right movements, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Recent polls show AfD gaining significant ground, surpassing Scholz’s own Social Democratic Party (SPD).
“We will not accept that people who look at Germany from the outside intervene in our democracy and our elections and in the democratic opinion-forming process in the interest of this party,” Scholz said. “That’s just not done, certainly not amongst friends and allies. We resolutely reject this.”
Scholz linked his concerns to Germany’s historical responsibility, referencing the country’s pledge to prevent a return to far-right extremism.
“All of us in Germany have a duty to ensure ‘Never Again’ becomes a reality,” he said, stressing that external actors should not exploit democratic processes for political gain.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance Criticizes European Policies
Vance, in a separate speech, criticized European governments for limiting free speech and accused them of silencing political opponents. He argued that free expression is “in retreat” across the continent, claiming that European leaders use terms like “misinformation” and “disinformation” to suppress opposing views.
“Many Americans see entrenched interests hiding behind ugly Soviet-era words,” Vance said. “They simply don’t like the idea that somebody with an alternative viewpoint might express a different opinion, or God forbid, vote a different way, or even worse, win an election.”
Vance warned that democracy cannot survive if leaders dismiss the concerns of large segments of the population. Scholz countered that freedom of speech does not justify hate speech and that Germany’s laws exist to prevent discrimination and incitement.
“Free speech in Europe means that you are not attacking others in ways that are against legislation and laws we have in our country,” Scholz responded.
The Future of U.S.-Europe Relations
European leaders are struggling to interpret the Trump administration’s evolving stance on democracy, security, and Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Gen. Keith Kellogg, further complicated matters by suggesting that future negotiations to end the war would not necessarily include European representatives.
“You can have the Ukrainians, the Russians, and clearly the Americans at the table talking,” Kellogg said. When asked if that meant Europeans would be excluded, he responded, “I’m a school of realism. I think that’s not going to happen.”
His statement contradicted the message of European leaders, who insist that peace talks must include all relevant parties. Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir expressed frustration over the lack of clarity from Washington.
“People are still not sure what the U.S. wants to do,” she said. “And I think it would be good if we came out of this conference with a clear picture of it.”
As tensions rise, European leaders are reconsidering their strategies for both security and diplomacy. While the idea of an independent European army remains uncertain, the push for greater self-reliance is growing stronger.
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