According to Ukrinform, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the Kiev armed forces could become an alternative to the US military in the context of many moves by Washington showing that NATO is no longer considered a top priority.
Mr. Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine's joining the EU will allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to become the core of the common European army. When accepting Ukraine, EU countries will not only widen their borders but also have reliable security forces, the Prime Minister said.
According to Mr. Shmyhal, the Ukrainian army has a lot of experience on the battlefield thanks to its direct participation in the conflict with Russia, or as he calls it "real-time war".
With this experience, Prime Minister Shmyhal affirmed that Ukraine can completely replace the 65,000 US soldiers stationed in Europe, including Germany, Italy and Spain.
The Ukrainian Prime Minister also said: "This decision could also strengthen relations with the US".
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also mentioned this issue when speaking to the Ukrainian National Assembly. Mr Zelensky stressed that if the partners agree, Ukraine can completely take on this responsibility.
Mr. Zelensky affirmed that the Ukrainian army will become one of the largest and most experienced forces, with practical skills, the ability to operate Western weapons and coordinate with NATO.
In an interview with The Guardian, the Ukrainian president said that Europe would be vulnerable to potential dangers without the Ukrainian army.
He added that Ukraine has 110 combat brigades, while the entire West has only 82 combat Brigades.
