Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's proposal to establish a European Union army. She suggested that Tajani should prioritize addressing humanitarian issues, specifically the humane resolution of the refugee and migrant crisis and protecting the EU borders, before considering the creation of a unified armed force for peacekeeping purposes.
The spokeswoman emphasized the need for careful consideration regarding the resources and fuel that would power such an army, cautioning against potential geopolitical implications. Additionally, she questioned the financial burden on NATO countries within the EU and raised concerns about the impact on their security arrangements with Washington.