Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered strong criticism of European leaders, accusing them of failing to act when it comes to defending Ukraine against Russia.
“Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today, action that defines what kind of future we will have,” Zelensky said at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.
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Referencing Groundhog Day—a film which shows the same day being repeated again and again—Zelensky highlighted the lack of progress that has been made since he took to the Davos stage last year.
Describing Europe as “lost,” he said the continent “remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers” when it should instead be “taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide.”
Although he thanked some European leaders for their support—calling out U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for offering post-cease-fire security guarantees—Zelensky hit out at the continent for not presenting a strong, united front.
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The Ukrainian leader compared Europe’s approach to that of President Donald Trump, who he shared a closed-door meeting with prior to taking to the stage.
“President Trump is needed,” said Zelensky, arguing that a cease-fire with Russia will rely on the support of the U.S. “No security guarantees work without the U.S.”
Zelensky pointed to the recent seizures of Russian oil tankers (Macron confirmed the seizure of a vessel during Zelensky’s speech) and encouraged further action be taken to apprehend Russian-flagged vessels in international waters.
“Russian oil is being transported right along European shores. That oil funds the war against Ukraine, that oil helps destabilize Europe,” he said, suggesting that all Russian oil be confiscated and “sold for Europe’s benefit.”
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Urging Europe to step up and lead, he continued: “We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles, not when we have a chance to be a great power together… When united, we are truly invincible, and Europe can and must be a global force, not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.”
Zelensky then encouraged Europe to look inward rather than trying to change Trump, who “will not change.”
“He [Trump] says he loves Europe, but he will not listen to this kind of Europe,” said Zelensky, seemingly in reference to the most recent transatlantic spat over Greenland.
“Everyone turned attention to Greenland, and it’s clear most leaders simply are not sure what to do about it. And it seems like everyone is just waiting for America to cool down on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if it will not, what then?” Zelensky queried.
The Ukrainian leader also made sure to mention the U.S. capture of fallen Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. He compared the former leadership of Venezuela to the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“President Trump led an operation in Venezuela, and Maduro was arrested. There were different opinions about it, but the fact remains that Maduro is on trial in New York. Putin is not on trial,” said Zelensky, arguing that more needs to be done to enforce the Russian President’s arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March 2023.
“As for Iran, everyone is waiting to see what America will do, and the world offers nothing,” said Zelensky, pointing to the threat Trump issued during Iran’s deadly protests. “Europe offers nothing and does not want to enter this issue at the support of the Iranian people and the democracy they need.” (Despite his earlier threats, Trump did not launch a military intervention in Iran, which left some Iranian protesters feeling abandoned.)
Zelensky concluded his remarks by reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness to end the war that Russia started by its invasion in 2022.
“Russia must become ready to finish this war, to stop this aggression,” he said, urging Europe and the U.S. to place more pressure on Moscow and offer additional support to Kyiv.
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