Why Europe's Common Defense Force is Unattainable Without Ukraine's Military.

31.01.2026 326

31.01.2026 326

Ukrainian army and European security

The Indispensable Role of Ukraine in European Security

According to UATV: As the United States reduces its military footprint in Europe, the continent's ambition to build an autonomous defense system faces significant challenges. Ukraine's importance is increasingly clear as the only European military with extensive, recent combat experience. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the Ukrainian army could form the foundation for a unified European force. This comes at a time when many developed democracies are struggling with recruitment crises linked to profound social changes, making Ukraine a vital partner for Europe's security future.

A shortage of mobilizable personnel in Western capitals makes the creation of a credible European force without Ukraine highly problematic. Political strategist Ruslan Rokhov emphasized that

"Europe needs Ukraine"

and noted that without it, even discussing an EU army is unlikely. He also observed that

"the NATO army is the U.S. army,"

underscoring the necessity of integrating Ukraine into joint defense efforts to achieve true European strategic autonomy.

Integrating Ukraine into Europe's Defense Architecture

With defense spending becoming a greater priority, Rokhov stressed the need to develop engineering infrastructure and defensive strongholds. These factors confirm that the active participation of Ukraine is essential for building effective common defense forces in Europe. The ongoing war has given Ukraine's military unparalleled modern battlefield expertise that NATO members largely lack.

Given the strategic shifts in Europe, Ukraine's role in shaping a common defense is now pivotal. Amid declining U.S. military support, Ukraine can provide the necessary combat experience and human resources to serve as a cornerstone for new defensive structures. This highlights not only Ukraine's military value but also its profound political significance for the future of European security.