Zelensky Calls for European Army Amidst Shifting US-Europe Relations; Trump's Administration Considers Granting Ukraine Rights to Critical Metals

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2025, advocated for the creation of a European army. He cited the potential for the United States to withdraw its security guarantee, emphasizing that a strong European military force is necessary to earn Washington's respect. According to NBC News on February 15, the Trump administration has reportedly proposed granting Kyiv the rights to 50% of Ukraine's rare earth metal deposits, with the understanding that American forces would be deployed to protect these sites if a peace agreement with Russia is reached. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the proposal of the new US President to Ukraine, calling it "egoistic". He stressed that after the war, Ukraine will have to rebuild itself and also have a strong army to be able to protect itself.