Europe’s Most Powerful Military Is Ukraine’s — Here’s Why the EU Can’t Afford to Lose It.

Why Ukraine’s Military Strength Matters for Europe

According to UATV: Ukraine’s armed forces are now the largest and most battle-hardened in Europe, and the continent’s security depends on them. Oleksiy Izhak, head of a department at Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies (NISS), points out that the European Union lacks the resources to defend itself without American support. Currently, Ukraine fields 800,000 troops — more than any other European nation in terms of size, equipment, and combat experience.

For comparison, Poland and Turkey each have between 200,000 and 400,000 soldiers. These numbers highlight just how massive Ukraine’s military has become, and why it plays an outsized role in regional stability.

“Ukraine’s defense forces represent Europe’s largest military potential in terms of volume, armament, and combat experience.” — Oleksiy Izhak

Why Supporting Ukraine Is a Strategic Necessity

Izhak also stresses that any military rearmament takes time — and that time is something Europe does not have without Ukraine. “Any rearmament requires time, and without Ukraine, that time simply doesn’t exist,” he says. This underscores the urgency of backing Ukraine militarily, as Europe cannot effectively execute its defense strategies without Kyiv’s involvement.

The European Union continues to supply aid to Ukraine, recognizing that the country’s armed forces are essential for maintaining peace and security across the continent. As a result, Ukraine’s military strength remains a cornerstone of Europe’s defense policy in today’s volatile environment.

Izhak’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s strategic value as a military partner for Europe, especially amid rising security threats. Given current geopolitical challenges, supporting Ukraine and its army is not just a matter of national security — it is a key component of Europe’s collective defense. This reinforces the need for ongoing international cooperation and defense collaboration between Ukraine and EU member states.