Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal to replace U.S. forces stationed in Europe with Ukrainian troops post-war has drawn sharp criticism from NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Jerry Connolly. Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s battle-hardened soldiers could step in to support NATO, freeing U.S. forces to focus on regions like the Indo-Pacific. However, Connolly labeled the plan “inappropriate” and “harmful,” suggesting it is a misguided attempt to curry favor with Donald Trump, who has questioned U.S. military commitments in Europe
Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan,” presented to Western leaders, envisions Ukraine as a major NATO contributor after the war. While some see it as a strategic move, others, including Connolly, warn that America’s presence in Europe is irreplaceable for maintaining stability. The proposal has ignited debate over NATO’s future and the evolving U.S.-Ukraine relationship as political dynamics shift ahead of the U.S. elections.
