Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday called for the creation of a European army, arguing the continent could no longer be sure of protection from the United States and would only get respect from Washington with a strong military.

He also said Kyiv would never accept any deal to end Ukraine’s war with Russia made behind its back, and predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would try to get US President Donald Trump to Moscow’s May 9 World War Two victory anniversary parade “not as a respected leader but as a prop in his own performance”.

In an impassioned speech to the annual Munich Security Conference of global policymakers, Zelensky said an address by US Vice-President J.D. Vance the previous day had made clear the relationship between Europe and the United States was changing.

“Let’s be honest – now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it,” said Zelensky, speaking as the war triggered by Russia’s invasion of his country will soon enter its fourth year.

“Many, many leaders have talked about [a] Europe that needs its own military and army. An Army of Europe. And I really believe the time has come, the armed forces of Europe must be created.”

He said a European army – which would include Ukraine – was necessary so that the continent’s “future depends only on Europeans – and decisions about Europeans are made in Europe”.