# Zelenskyy Advocates for Increased Defence Spending in Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European nations to increase their defence spending, arguing that they should invest as much as necessary rather than adhering to outdated budget practices. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he suggested that if 5% of GDP is required for security, countries should commit to that level of spending.
Zelenskyy indirectly supported former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for NATO allies to boost their defence budgets. He dismissed concerns that increasing military expenditures would lead to cuts in health care or pensions, describing such arguments as unfair.
Emphasising the rising security threats, he warned that Russia is not separated from Europe by an ocean and possesses a military force much larger than that of individual European nations. He stressed that no country can defend itself in isolation and called for unity in strengthening Europe’s defence system.
The Ukrainian leader noted that Ukraine is already collaborating with partners to produce advanced drones and artillery more quickly and affordably than elsewhere. He suggested investing in Ukrainian drone technology would enhance Europe’s security and global influence.
Zelenskyy also proposed developing a Europe-wide missile defence system, similar to Israel’s “Iron Dome,” to intercept cruise and ballistic missiles. He argued that Europe must not depend on decisions made regarding its security in Washington, Berlin, or other capitals.
His speech underscored the necessity for Europe to become more self-sufficient in defence and economic matters, positioning itself as a more potent ally to the United States rather than a reliant partner.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of a potential “global race to the bottom,” where economic pressures such as sanctions and tariffs could lead to instability.
PlayingtheDrums on
Quantity isn’t as important as unity of command. Problem is, no EU country stands a chance against Russia, even if they spend 5%. France had a reasonably sized army before the Nazi-invasion, one of the allies biggest detriments was political interference with military command. Notable examples are Yugoslavia defending their entire border instead of teaming up with GB and Greece, Leopold demanding the Belgian Ardennes are defended despite France and UK already making withdrawals.
I am convinced EU leaders are stupid enough to repeat these mistakes.
sweetcinnamonpunch on
An actual european army and stronger partnership among member states would be worth so much more
ClearHeart_FullLiver on
He has a point. I think the best way forward is a much more aligned defence system and policy across Europe at least for the EU. Our procurement and strategic management needs to be combined. France is the most capable military in Europe now Germany really needs to reform it’s military and actually be the powerhouse we need. It’s all well and good for Poland and Estonia to arm themselves but they have far less capacity than Germany does.
myassislazy on
I think he should be president of the EU .. he is really smart
swollen_foreskin on
You know at this point where the European manufacturing ability is taking a nosedive and the economic outlook is grim, pumping money into defense could be a great way to kickstart the economy again. As long as we buy from Europe….
USA is an unreliable partner and they don’t have the peoples or the planets best interest in mind, so Europe needs to take charge or be even more left behind
gamblingPharmaStocks on
Make it 15%!
Since the game is just pulling numbers out of our asses we can say anything!
GlistunGmizic on
I think Zelensky should mind his own f****n bussines instead of using the entire EU as his own piggybank
Limp_Distribution772 on
Yes, nice doing the math on someone else’s money
morbihann on
There is plenty of money in EU for defense, the issue is how its used, not the amount.
Also, the US budget is about 3.5% we don’t need 5%. We need reform and not having to spend on 27 different structures.
AddictedToRugs on
Well I am shocked that Zelenskyy thinks that. This is very unexpected.
spam69spam69spam on
The EU needs to decide if it wants butter or guns. For a while it has had both as the US has paid for the guns but that era appears to be over.
ICEpear8472 on
So the USA is spending too little on defense since 1991? Even at the height of the war on terror while fighting wars in multiple foreign countries the US still spend a little less than 5% of their GDP on defense. 5% is a crazy amount of money.
Wgh555 on
Reminder that Ukraine is spending 37% of GDP on defence on our behalf, to put things into perspective. The 8th highest budget in the world, higher than France, despite being the 58th largest economy. I have a lot of time for Zelensky when he talks about things like this.
mok000 on
NATO isn’t going to survive Trump’s presidency, Europe needs its own security organization with mutual defense commitments. The US spends under 3,5% of GDP on their military, Europe can definitely match that.
pi4katimaterina on
must be really nice spending other people’s money..
Haunting-Detail2025 on
US: spend 5% of GDP on defense
This sub: OMG that’s insane how dare you??
Ukraine: seconded
This sub: omg so true we need a united Europe!
Any-Original-6113 on
A small remark: how many people understand that a country’s budget and a country’s GDP are two different values? 5% of GDP is a very large sum.
Let’s imagine how much it is.
For example, Germany’s budget in 2023 was 3.82 trillion. euros, of which expenses amount to 1.95 trillion. (the budget is in deficit – 91.8 euros had to be borrowed ) Germany’s GDP in 2023 was 4.46 trillion dollars, or about 4.13 trillion. euro. 5% of GDP is 206 billion. euros, or about 10.5% of all expenses.. The real defense budget in 2023 was 51 billion. euros – or 2.6% of all expenses.
That is, Zelensky proposes to spend Germany 4 times more. But then what should be reduced in order not to dramatically increase debt? Only social benefits and government spending on infrastructure projects.
18 commenti
OVERVIEW
# Zelenskyy Advocates for Increased Defence Spending in Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European nations to increase their defence spending, arguing that they should invest as much as necessary rather than adhering to outdated budget practices. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he suggested that if 5% of GDP is required for security, countries should commit to that level of spending.
Zelenskyy indirectly supported former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for NATO allies to boost their defence budgets. He dismissed concerns that increasing military expenditures would lead to cuts in health care or pensions, describing such arguments as unfair.
Emphasising the rising security threats, he warned that Russia is not separated from Europe by an ocean and possesses a military force much larger than that of individual European nations. He stressed that no country can defend itself in isolation and called for unity in strengthening Europe’s defence system.
The Ukrainian leader noted that Ukraine is already collaborating with partners to produce advanced drones and artillery more quickly and affordably than elsewhere. He suggested investing in Ukrainian drone technology would enhance Europe’s security and global influence.
Zelenskyy also proposed developing a Europe-wide missile defence system, similar to Israel’s “Iron Dome,” to intercept cruise and ballistic missiles. He argued that Europe must not depend on decisions made regarding its security in Washington, Berlin, or other capitals.
His speech underscored the necessity for Europe to become more self-sufficient in defence and economic matters, positioning itself as a more potent ally to the United States rather than a reliant partner.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of a potential “global race to the bottom,” where economic pressures such as sanctions and tariffs could lead to instability.
Quantity isn’t as important as unity of command. Problem is, no EU country stands a chance against Russia, even if they spend 5%. France had a reasonably sized army before the Nazi-invasion, one of the allies biggest detriments was political interference with military command. Notable examples are Yugoslavia defending their entire border instead of teaming up with GB and Greece, Leopold demanding the Belgian Ardennes are defended despite France and UK already making withdrawals.
I am convinced EU leaders are stupid enough to repeat these mistakes.
An actual european army and stronger partnership among member states would be worth so much more
He has a point. I think the best way forward is a much more aligned defence system and policy across Europe at least for the EU. Our procurement and strategic management needs to be combined. France is the most capable military in Europe now Germany really needs to reform it’s military and actually be the powerhouse we need. It’s all well and good for Poland and Estonia to arm themselves but they have far less capacity than Germany does.
I think he should be president of the EU .. he is really smart
You know at this point where the European manufacturing ability is taking a nosedive and the economic outlook is grim, pumping money into defense could be a great way to kickstart the economy again. As long as we buy from Europe….
USA is an unreliable partner and they don’t have the peoples or the planets best interest in mind, so Europe needs to take charge or be even more left behind
Make it 15%!
Since the game is just pulling numbers out of our asses we can say anything!
I think Zelensky should mind his own f****n bussines instead of using the entire EU as his own piggybank
Yes, nice doing the math on someone else’s money
There is plenty of money in EU for defense, the issue is how its used, not the amount.
Also, the US budget is about 3.5% we don’t need 5%. We need reform and not having to spend on 27 different structures.
Well I am shocked that Zelenskyy thinks that. This is very unexpected.
The EU needs to decide if it wants butter or guns. For a while it has had both as the US has paid for the guns but that era appears to be over.
So the USA is spending too little on defense since 1991? Even at the height of the war on terror while fighting wars in multiple foreign countries the US still spend a little less than 5% of their GDP on defense. 5% is a crazy amount of money.
Reminder that Ukraine is spending 37% of GDP on defence on our behalf, to put things into perspective. The 8th highest budget in the world, higher than France, despite being the 58th largest economy. I have a lot of time for Zelensky when he talks about things like this.
NATO isn’t going to survive Trump’s presidency, Europe needs its own security organization with mutual defense commitments. The US spends under 3,5% of GDP on their military, Europe can definitely match that.
must be really nice spending other people’s money..
US: spend 5% of GDP on defense
This sub: OMG that’s insane how dare you??
Ukraine: seconded
This sub: omg so true we need a united Europe!
A small remark: how many people understand that a country’s budget and a country’s GDP are two different values? 5% of GDP is a very large sum.
Let’s imagine how much it is.
For example, Germany’s budget in 2023 was 3.82 trillion. euros, of which expenses amount to 1.95 trillion. (the budget is in deficit – 91.8 euros had to be borrowed ) Germany’s GDP in 2023 was 4.46 trillion dollars, or about 4.13 trillion. euro. 5% of GDP is 206 billion. euros, or about 10.5% of all expenses.. The real defense budget in 2023 was 51 billion. euros – or 2.6% of all expenses.
[https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Government/Public-Finance/EU-Directive-Budgetary-Frameworks/Tables/general-government.html](https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Government/Public-Finance/EU-Directive-Budgetary-Frameworks/Tables/general-government.html)
[https://tradingeconomics.com/germany/gdp](https://tradingeconomics.com/germany/gdp)
That is, Zelensky proposes to spend Germany 4 times more. But then what should be reduced in order not to dramatically increase debt? Only social benefits and government spending on infrastructure projects.
It will be the end of Germany.