Ukrainian army could be an alternative to U.S. military presence in Europe – PM

He stated this in an article for Politico, according to Ukrinform.

"Ukraine's battle-hardened military could become an alternative to the U.S. army, which currently has over 65,000 troops in the EU, its largest deployments stationed in Germany, Italy and Spain. In addition to its practical significance, this decision could strengthen relations with the U.S., as Washington increasingly questions the need for its military to be stationed overseas," Shmyhal wrote.

He added that Ukraine's accession to the EU would mean that the Ukrainian Armed Forces could form the backbone of a united European army.

"By agreeing to Ukraine's accession, EU countries wouldn't just be expanding their own borders and boundaries. They would be gaining reliable defenders with extensive military experience, ready to be the first to take a hit not only from Russia, but from other possible military and political groups on Europe's eastern borders," Shmyhal said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier told The Guardian that without the Ukrainian army, Europe would be left vulnerable to total occupation. He noted that Ukraine has 110 combat brigades, compared to Russia's 220, while Europe currently fields only about 82 combat brigades.