Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a powerful and critical speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, directly accusing Europe of failing to take decisive action on its own security and remaining trapped in a cycle of perpetual delay. The Ukrainian leader expressed frustration with the continent's inability to move beyond discussions and implement concrete measures to address ongoing threats.
Repeating the Same Warnings
"No one would want to live like that, repeating the same thing for weeks and months and of course, four years," Zelenskyy told the international audience. "That's exactly how we live now. And it's our life." He pointedly reminded attendees that he had delivered nearly identical warnings at the same forum just one year earlier, noting with disappointment that nothing substantial had changed in Europe's security posture since then.
Europe's Defense Deficiencies
Zelenskyy argued that Europe has not even attempted to build its own comprehensive response to defense and security challenges. While acknowledging that some nations have increased their military investments, he emphasized that many only fulfilled their defense spending commitments after direct pressure from US President Donald Trump. "What message does this send to Putin, to China?" he questioned, highlighting how such reluctance undermines European credibility.
The Ukrainian president dismissed symbolic military gestures as ineffective, specifically mentioning the deployment of "40 soldiers to protect Greenland" as an example of inadequate responses. He asserted that Ukraine possesses the practical experience to defend such regions, stating "We know how to fight there" while lamenting that his country remains outside NATO's protective framework.
Accountability and Justice Gaps
Turning to issues of accountability, Zelenskyy sharply criticized the international community's failure to pursue criminal action against Russia. He contrasted the situation with events in Venezuela, where former President Nicolás Maduro faces trial in New York, while Russian President Vladimir Putin remains free despite launching what Zelenskyy called "the biggest war in Europe since World War Two."
"Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today," Zelenskyy echoed Trump's previous criticisms. He noted that despite numerous high-level meetings, Europe has not established a proper tribunal to investigate Russian war crimes, questioning whether the deficiency stems from "time or political will."
Energy and Regional Security Concerns
Zelenskyy also challenged Europe's response to Russian oil exports, asking why President Trump can intercept shadow fleet tankers while Europe appears unable to take similar action. "That oil funds the war against Ukraine, that oil helps destabilise Europe," he emphasized, connecting economic policies directly to security outcomes.
The Ukrainian leader cited Iran and Belarus as additional examples of European inaction with serious consequences. He warned that refusing to support people fighting for freedom always produces negative outcomes, pointing specifically to how Russian missiles now deployed in Belarus threaten most European capitals following Europe's failure to assist Belarusian protesters in 2020.
Political Divisions and External Pressure
Zelenskyy described Europe as divided and overly concerned with diplomatic sensitivities, revealing that he had been advised against mentioning specific weapon systems like Tomahawk and Taurus missiles to avoid offending allies. He expressed skepticism about Europe's attempts to influence US policy, stating bluntly that "President Trump will not change" and suggesting Europe must develop its own independent position.
Regarding Trump's newly announced Board of Peace initiative, Zelenskyy noted that Europe has not yet formed a united position on the proposal. He suggested that perhaps the European Council might "finally decide something on Greenland" during their upcoming meeting, though his tone indicated little expectation of substantive progress.
Call for European Unity
The Ukrainian president concluded with a passionate appeal for European unity, arguing that the continent should not accept being "just a salad of small and middle powers." "When united we are truly invincible," he asserted, emphasizing that collective strength represents Europe's most reliable path to security and influence.
Earlier on Thursday, Zelenskyy met privately with President Trump for approximately one hour in Davos. Following their discussion, Trump described the meeting as productive while acknowledging that significant work remains to end the conflict. "The war has to end," Trump stated. "There are a lot of people being killed." The exchange highlighted the complex diplomatic landscape as Ukraine continues to seek international support amid ongoing hostilities.
