Ukraine’s Armed Forces are the Largest in Europe With 980,000 Personnel, Zelenskyy Announces

As of January 2025, Ukraine’s Armed Forces comprise 980,000 personnel, making it the largest military in Europe. This figure, presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman, on January 5.

In comparison, France’s military ranks second in Europe, with approximately 200,000 soldiers, far smaller than Ukraine’s force. According to Zelenskyy, the size of the Ukrainian military places it well ahead of other European countries.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of international support in maintaining Ukraine’s security, noting that the country’s armed forces have grown due to the willingness of its citizens to defend the nation.

He also addressed the broader implications of military escalation, stating that Europe is not interested in creating armies of millions, emphasizing that the goal is not to provoke a world war, but to stop Russian aggression.

The expansion of Ukraine’s defense forces has been facilitated by both the dedication of its citizens and ongoing international aid. Despite challenges, including demographic factors and mobilization issues, the Ukrainian military continues to adapt and strengthen.

Earlier, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the possibility of a ceasefire with Russia without strong security guarantees. In an interview with Lex Fridman, Zelenskyy reflected on past failed negotiations, highlighting Russia’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and the ongoing violence in occupied territories.

He emphasized that any potential ceasefire must be accompanied by robust assurances to protect Ukraine’s security, warning that a ceasefire without such guarantees would lead to further suffering and instability.