Zelenskiy Seeks US Support to Build Massive Army if NATO Membership Fails

Zelenskiy Seeks US Support to Build Massive Army if NATO Membership Fails

Ukraine’s “Plan B” for Defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that if Ukraine is not admitted into NATO, it will need to build a military force as large as Russia’s with the help of the United States. He emphasized that Ukraine would effectively create its own version of NATO within its borders.

“If Ukraine is not in NATO, it means that Ukraine will build NATO on its territory. So we need an army as numerous as the Russians have today. And for all this, we need weapons and money. And we will ask the US for this,” Zelenskiy said.

NATO Membership Uncertain for Ukraine

Despite Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia since 2022, NATO membership remains out of reach. Several NATO members, including the U.S., oppose Ukraine joining the alliance at this time.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that NATO membership for Ukraine is not part of Washington’s current peace strategy. Instead, the U.S. is shifting its focus toward urging European nations to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.

Shift in US Strategy

The U.S. is emphasizing a larger role for Europe in Ukraine’s defense efforts while prioritizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. Washington has suggested that European nations increase their defense spending and contribute more to Ukraine’s security.

Hegseth has also proposed creating a multinational deterrence force in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire.

Upcoming Talks with US Officials

Zelenskiy and other senior Ukrainian officials are expected to meet members of President Trump’s administration at the Munich Security Conference. While Trump has expressed a desire to end the war quickly, he has not yet presented a concrete plan of action.

“Zelenskiy Seeks US Support to Build Massive Army if NATO Membership Fails” “Zelenskiy Seeks US Support to Build Massive Army if NATO Membership Fails”