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Zelensky calls for 1.5 million-strong military
(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western nations to support Ukraine in building a robust defense force, demanding an army of 1.5 million soldiers. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky emphasized that if Ukraine cannot secure NATO membership, it must strengthen its military alongside Western Europe. He argued that NATO membership remains the most cost-effective solution for Ukraine's security but stressed the need for a capable and well-trained army in the meantime.
Zelensky’s request comes after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump labeled Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as “unrealistic.” Despite this, Zelensky insisted that to protect Ukraine, the country must build an army with NATO-standard weaponry and sufficient trained troops, a requirement he says amounts to 1.5 million soldiers.
While Ukraine currently has a military of approximately 980,000 personnel, Zelensky acknowledged that achieving his goal would require a 50% increase in funding. He questioned how the necessary finances would be sourced, especially after the Trump administration froze US foreign aid amid a review of government spending. European countries, many of which have not met NATO's defense spending target, would also need to contribute to this ambitious goal.
Since the conflict's escalation, Western nations have provided over $82 billion in annual aid to Ukraine, with the EU contributing nearly $64 billion and the US around $66 billion, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
Zelensky’s request comes after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump labeled Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as “unrealistic.” Despite this, Zelensky insisted that to protect Ukraine, the country must build an army with NATO-standard weaponry and sufficient trained troops, a requirement he says amounts to 1.5 million soldiers.
While Ukraine currently has a military of approximately 980,000 personnel, Zelensky acknowledged that achieving his goal would require a 50% increase in funding. He questioned how the necessary finances would be sourced, especially after the Trump administration froze US foreign aid amid a review of government spending. European countries, many of which have not met NATO's defense spending target, would also need to contribute to this ambitious goal.
Since the conflict's escalation, Western nations have provided over $82 billion in annual aid to Ukraine, with the EU contributing nearly $64 billion and the US around $66 billion, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
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