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Ukraine’s Military Could Form Backbone of EU Armed Forces, Says Ukrainian PM

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Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Ukraine’s Military Could Form Backbone of EU Armed Forces, Says Ukrainian PM
Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 crews during combat training of the 44th Separate Mechanized Brigade in Ukraine, on February 5, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal proposed using Ukraine’s battle-hardened military as the foundation for a European Union armed forces project, arguing that Ukraine’s combat experience makes it uniquely suited to strengthen EU security in an article published by Politico on February 14.

Shmyhal believes that Ukraine’s military can reinforce the EU and serve as the core of a unified European army—a goal that, in his view, requires only a political decision.

“The bloc is not just facing new security challenges—it is fighting for its survival. But there is one country that has not only endured various forms of Russian aggression but, more importantly, knows how to resist them. That country is Ukraine. This is why Ukraine’s accession to the EU is not just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for the bloc itself. It is a step that will fortify its eastern flank militarily and increase its geopolitical influence worldwide,” Shmyhal stated.

He emphasized that Ukraine’s armed forces possess unparalleled experience in modern warfare and have successfully scaled up domestic production of advanced weaponry, particularly drones.

“In 2022, Ukraine produced no more than 5,000 drones. By the end of 2024, more than one million FPV drones had been deployed to the front lines alone,” he wrote.

Shmyhal also stressed that the Ukrainian military is more prepared than ever for integration into the EU’s defense system, having already adopted NATO standards in practice. He argued that once Ukraine joins the EU, its armed forces could serve as the backbone of a unified European army.

According to the prime minister, Ukraine’s military could even serve as an alternative to US forces stationed in Europe, where approximately 65,000 American troops are currently deployed.

Beyond its practical military value, such a move could also help strengthen transatlantic relations, as Washington increasingly questions the necessity of maintaining large troop deployments abroad.

“We are not a country begging to join the EU for financial aid, privileges, or handouts. We are a country that knows its worth and is honest with its allies. We are a country that can serve as the cornerstone of Europe’s defense. In fact, we already are,” Shmyhal concluded.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if Ukraine is not admitted to NATO, it will require an army comparable in size to Russia’s as an alternative security strategy.

“If we are not in NATO, then we need an army of one and a half million people,” stated Zelenskyy.

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