Russia to closely follow Europe's military build-up plans: Kremlin

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia will closely monitor Europe’s military build-up plans, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov commented on media reports about the possible creation of an EU army, stating that details remain unclear.

“So far, the EU has had no joint defense structure. But as for long-term plans, they must be carefully monitored, studied, and assessed,” he said.

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the time has come for the creation of “armed forces of Europe” as Washington may no longer be counted on to support the continent.

US President Donald Trump's recent moves have raised concerns among European leaders that decisions on the war in Ukraine may be made without the participation of the EU, and perhaps even without Kyiv.

Many are also expecting Trump to reduce US forces in Europe.

- Bid to join EU ‘sovereign right’

On Ukraine’s bid to join the EU, Peskov acknowledged that it is Kyiv’s sovereign right, as it is for any other nation.

“We are talking about integration and economic processes, where no one can impose decisions on any country - and we certainly won’t. However, security, defense, and military alliances are a different matter, and our position on those issues is well known,” he said.

Ukraine is currently a candidate for EU membership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the country’s application in 2022, and Brussels launched accession negotiations with Kyiv in June 2024.