Zelensky's Stark Davos Warning: Europe Faces Existential Security Crisis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered one of his most direct and unsettling speeches yet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, issuing a brutal assessment of Europe's military and political unpreparedness. His address came shortly after a significant conversation between NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting growing transatlantic uncertainties.
Europe's Dangerous Dependence on American Military Backing
Zelensky warned that Europe is dangerously unprepared for a future where American military backing may no longer be guaranteed. "America is already changing its position, but nobody knows exactly how," he stated, adding that global decisions are now moving "faster than Europe." This shifting landscape, according to the Ukrainian leader, exposes fundamental vulnerabilities in European security architecture.
Rejecting Europe's Secondary Role in Global Affairs
The president firmly rejected the idea of Europe as a loose collection of small and medium powers, urging leaders to think bigger and more strategically. "We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles… when united, we are truly invincible," Zelensky declared. He argued that Europe must stop reacting late to crises and instead "define the future" as a global force capable of defending its values, borders, and way of life.
NATO's Existential Crisis: Belief Versus Certainty
Turning specifically to NATO, Zelensky questioned whether the alliance can function effectively if belief replaces certainty in security guarantees. "Right now, NATO exists thanks to belief," he warned. "Belief that the United States will act. But what if it doesn't?" He posed a stark scenario, asking who would respond if Russia targeted Lithuania or struck Poland, emphasizing that Europe cannot rely indefinitely on assumptions rather than real military readiness.
Failed Sanctions and Missed Opportunities
Zelensky offered sharp criticism of Europe's sanctions regime against Russia, noting that while Russian oil has become cheaper, "the flow has not stopped," allowing Moscow's war machine to continue operating. He pointed to Belarus as a particularly significant missed opportunity, arguing that Europe's inaction after the 2020 protests enabled Russian missiles to be stationed within range of major European cities.
"Missiles are never just decoration," he cautioned, accusing Europe of remaining in what he called "Greenland mode — maybe someday someone will do something."
The Gap Between Words and Actions
In one of his most pointed passages, Zelensky criticized European leaders who speak eloquently about values but hesitate to take concrete actions. "You can't build the new world order out of words. Only actions create real order," he asserted. The Ukrainian president warned that his country represents merely the first target in a broader conflict, adding ominously, "Today they target Ukraine. Tomorrow, it could be any NATO country."
Europe's Credibility Crisis in Global Security
Zelensky concluded his address by questioning Europe's credibility on global security matters, from Greenland to Iran. He warned that symbolic deployments and persistent hesitation send dangerous signals to adversaries. Without decisive, coordinated action, he cautioned, Europe risks remaining merely a geography rather than becoming the great power it claims to be.
The speech represents one of Zelensky's most comprehensive critiques of European security policy since Russia's invasion began, delivered at a moment when American foreign policy appears increasingly unpredictable under the Trump administration.
