If the United States were to ever withdraw from NATO, the burden of European security would fall squarely on the shoulders of the European Union—a structure currently unequipped to handle such a monumental task alone. This stark assessment was provided by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a recent interview for the popular political podcast The Rest Is Politics.
According to the Ukrainian Head of State, the European Union urgently needs to expand its defense framework by integrating additional military powers. Zelenskyy specifically named four critical nations: the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, and Norway. He emphasized that these countries possess significant military capabilities, and their inclusion is vital for the continent’s overall stability.
“The combined armies of the UK, Ukraine, and Turkey are stronger than the Russian military,” Zelenskyy stated. “Without Ukraine and Turkey, Europe simply cannot compare to Russia in terms of military strength. By uniting with these four countries, Europe would be able to fully control its seas, ensure a protected airspace, and boast the largest and most experienced land forces.”
The President clarified that this proposed military integration is not aimed at launching offensive operations, but rather at establishing a robust and credible deterrent. With the Russian Federation actively moving its economy to a war footing and planning to expand its armed forces to a staggering 2.5 million personnel by 2030, Europe must think strategically about its security and the preservation of its independence.
Addressing potential hurdles, Zelenskyy acknowledged that such integration could present complex challenges. He noted historical precedents, such as the UK’s previous membership in the EU, and potential economic friction regarding agriculture if Turkey were to be more deeply integrated. However, he remains adamant that these are manageable issues provided the underlying economic foundation is strong. “Security must come first, and the economy second. Not the other way around,” the President insisted.
Zelenskyy’s remarks arrive amid growing concerns over the future of transatlantic relations. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered sharp criticism of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization following a closed-door meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. While the White House reportedly has no immediate plans to pull the United States out of the Alliance, Trump has shown a willingness to pressure and potentially penalize European allies over geopolitical disagreements, including their reluctance to support a broader campaign against Iran. In light of these uncertainties, Ukraine continues to advocate for a self-sufficient and heavily fortified European defense network.