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Saturday, Feb 28, 2026
Outside the box.
Ukraine Crisis: Calls for European Army and Increased Defense Spending
At the Munich Security Conference, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasizes the importance of Ukrainian NATO membership; President Zelensky advocates for the formation of European armed forces.
On 15 February 2025, during the Munich Security Conference, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized the ongoing Ukraine conflict as an "existential question" for Europe and expressed support for Ukraine's membership in NATO.
He indicated that NATO membership would be the most economical and effective means to secure peace not only in Europe but across the Atlantic.
Lammy drew attention to the relatively low current defense expenditure in Europe, suggesting that combined spending on defense for the conflict in Ukraine is approximately 0.01% of gross domestic product (GDP).
In comparison, spending was approximately 7% of GDP during the Cold War.
Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to increasing its defense budget to assist Ukraine, stating that failing to support Ukraine could result in significantly higher costs in the future.
He also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss Europe’s role in its own security.
In his remarks, Lammy noted, “If Ukraine were to fail, the costs would be considerably more,” advocating for proactive measures to meet current challenges.
He further remarked that forming closer business and trade ties with the U.S. could benefit Ukraine's future security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also attending the conference, called for the establishment of an "armed forces of Europe".
He asserted that the ongoing conflict with Russia has highlighted the necessity for Europe to bolster its military capabilities independently of American support.
Zelensky referenced the need for Europe to take substantial decisions regarding its own defense and security.
The Ukrainian leader expressed concerns over the potential for U.S. withdrawal from certain security commitments, commenting that past assumptions about U.S. support for Europe may no longer hold true.
He firmly stated that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire agreements without direct involvement in negotiations, especially in light of recent discussions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding peace talks.
Zelensky's comments also included criticism of any proposed agreements that might exclude Ukraine from negotiations, framing such actions as unacceptable.
He stressed the importance for Europe to develop a unified military voice, stating that the time has come for Europe to ensure its own security while paralleling U.S. interests.
As discussions of military support and geopolitical strategy continue, the dynamics between European nations and the United States amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain a focal point of international discourse.
He indicated that NATO membership would be the most economical and effective means to secure peace not only in Europe but across the Atlantic.
Lammy drew attention to the relatively low current defense expenditure in Europe, suggesting that combined spending on defense for the conflict in Ukraine is approximately 0.01% of gross domestic product (GDP).
In comparison, spending was approximately 7% of GDP during the Cold War.
Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to increasing its defense budget to assist Ukraine, stating that failing to support Ukraine could result in significantly higher costs in the future.
He also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss Europe’s role in its own security.
In his remarks, Lammy noted, “If Ukraine were to fail, the costs would be considerably more,” advocating for proactive measures to meet current challenges.
He further remarked that forming closer business and trade ties with the U.S. could benefit Ukraine's future security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also attending the conference, called for the establishment of an "armed forces of Europe".
He asserted that the ongoing conflict with Russia has highlighted the necessity for Europe to bolster its military capabilities independently of American support.
Zelensky referenced the need for Europe to take substantial decisions regarding its own defense and security.
The Ukrainian leader expressed concerns over the potential for U.S. withdrawal from certain security commitments, commenting that past assumptions about U.S. support for Europe may no longer hold true.
He firmly stated that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire agreements without direct involvement in negotiations, especially in light of recent discussions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding peace talks.
Zelensky's comments also included criticism of any proposed agreements that might exclude Ukraine from negotiations, framing such actions as unacceptable.
He stressed the importance for Europe to develop a unified military voice, stating that the time has come for Europe to ensure its own security while paralleling U.S. interests.
As discussions of military support and geopolitical strategy continue, the dynamics between European nations and the United States amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain a focal point of international discourse.
