"We do not have time": Zelenskyy defines main barrier to creating unified EU army on Ukraine's experience

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the Ukrainian army could form the backbone of a future European Joint Force, but that Ukraine "does not have time for this" because of the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy noted that everyone understands Ukraine currently has the largest and most experienced army in Europe, with real combat experience.

"And therefore, the Ukrainian army could become the foundation of a European Joint Force. But for this, several steps are needed, and we do not have time for them today. There are legal steps, bureaucratic steps and steps related to securing sources of funding. We do not have time for this because we are focused on the front line," he said during an online briefing with the media.

"As soon as the war ends, we would certainly join such a structure. What could Europe do? What we have always said: prepare the entire financial base now," Zelenskyy added.

He explained that many people will remain in the military, but some will want to seek other jobs, different salaries and new paths in life.

"To avoid losing their experience, strong financial support is needed to encourage them to stay in the armed forces. This is what is required, and this needs a source. Europe can certainly find it. These are some of the fundamental steps to ensure experienced people remain. They will then pass on relevant knowledge, technologies and training," Zelenskyy said.

In his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelenskyy also said that Europe needs to create a unified armed force under the current circumstances, rather than rely solely on NATO guarantees.

Zelenskyy also described as "not serious" the symbolic number of troops that European countries have deployed to Greenland and urged them to consider how this looks to an adversary such as Russia and to an ally like Denmark.

In addition, the Ukrainian president criticised the slow pace of steps to punish Russia for its aggression.