The European Union should fundamentally rethink its security model. It should strengthen its defense capabilities to ensure stability on the continent without exclusive dependence on the US, Ukrainian deputy Ivan Krulko states, Espreso reports.
He emphasizes that the current geopolitical crisis should become a point of no return for European elites. Europe’s security cannot be automatically delegated to Washington, and the EU must take responsibility for itself.
Recently, the relations between the European Union and the US have worsened after US President Donald Trump demanded that Greenland be placed under US control due to threats from Russia and China.
Davos without Ukraine at the forefront
Speaking about the situation around Ukraine, Krulko highlights a worrying signal from the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“There is a sense that Ukraine and Russia’s war against it is no longer front and center as it was two to three years ago. This is a fact,” he says.
Therefore, in his view, the EU must change not only its rhetoric but also its practical approach, recognizing that reduced attention to the war creates long-term risks for all of Europe.
European Security Forces and autonomous defense
Krulko believes Europe needs to form its own European Security Forces and build an autonomous system capable of effectively responding to threats within the continent.
“Europe must form its European Security Forces and build an autonomous system that can solve problems on the European continent independently,” the Ukrainian deputy emphasizes.
He stresses that Ukraine should be a key element of this future security system, given its unique combat experience and its role in deterring Russia.
A similar position was previously expressed by former Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi. He pointed to systemic weaknesses in EU defense, noting that over 60% of Europe’s defense procurement comes from the US, and that the EU still lacks clear mechanisms for mutual obligations.
Zaluzhnyi also highlighted that the current EU 2030 Security White Paper does not include the primary strategic goal of creating joint military structures and command bodies to manage them.
