"Today, security is a priority for everyone.

[The EU is a union] that could be much stronger – I believe this would be a union of such countries as Norway, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Türkiye. These are four countries that the European Union is lacking." – Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy has said this more than once. This is something to keep your eyes on!!!

This proposal is a direct response to the possibility that the US might scale back or leave the NATO alliance. He argues that if this happens, the European Union in its current form would not be strong enough to guarantee the continent's security on its own. Therefore, he is advocating for a new defence axis built around these four specific nations.

He frames this not as an alternative to the EU, but as a powerful enhancement that would make the EU the strongest security alliance in the world.

Why these four?

  • Ukraine – Largest land force in Europe, unique combat experience, advanced drone and robotic warfare expertise.
  • Turkey – Strong army, control of the Bosporus, and a powerful navy to contest the Black Sea.
  • United Kingdom – Global military reach, nuclear capabilities, and a historic European security partner.
  • Norway – Secures the northern flank and provides significant maritime and naval capabilities.

The most interesting thing? None are currently EU members. 

And that is the point!

In his blistering speech at Davos in January 2026, Zelensky described Europe not as a united power, but as a "beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers." 

Ukraine, Turkey, Norway, and the UK are not paralyzed by EU consensus rules. The ultimate goal is not to create a separate alliance, but to build a new, powerful core that can then re-energize and defend the EU itself.

Based on available information, there is demonstrable willingness from all three countries to take on enhanced security roles—though this currently exists as bilateral cooperation, not formal endorsement of Zelenskyy's specific multilateral framework.

The proposal is gaining rhetorical and diplomatic traction. Especially now that the U.S. is visibly becoming less reliable as a NATO and European partner.