Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized European leaders for their lack of proactive measures regarding geopolitical crises, specifically during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He described Europe’s response as being in “Greenland mode,” referencing a perceived passivity as they await direction from Donald Trump amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine and other global conflicts.
Recalling his previous address at Davos, Zelenskyy remarked, “A year has passed, and nothing has changed,” emphasizing the urgency for Europe to take responsibility for its defense. He claimed that European leaders seem to be waiting for the situation, particularly concerning U.S. leadership, to resolve itself. “Everyone is just waiting for America to cool down… But what if it [does] not: what then?” he questioned.
While acknowledging the bizarre demands from Trump regarding U.S. interest in Greenland, Zelenskyy shifted the focus back to European leaders, who he felt are hesitant to act decisively. He challenged the effectiveness of current military deployments, stating that sending limited numbers of troops does not send a strong message to potential aggressors like Russia and China.
Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s willingness to support European defense measures, specifically in case of a Russian threat to Greenland. He urged Europe to take a tougher stance on sanctioning Russia, particularly targeting the shadow fleet of oil tankers that contribute to its military capabilities, declaring that the threats faced by Europe are crucial for NATO’s integrity.
He stressed that reliance on NATO’s existence based solely on U.S. intervention might not suffice if circumstances change. “If Putin decides to take Lithuania or strike Poland, who will respond?” he asked, calling for the establishment of a united armed forces in Europe.
Zelenskyy’s remarks came shortly after a meeting with Trump to discuss stalled peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following their conversation, Trump indicated that progress could be made and highlighted a pivotal issue that could potentially be resolved. He reinforced the need for the war to end, reflecting a possible avenue for diplomatic resolution.
Overall, Zelenskyy’s address served as a wake-up call not only to Europe but also to the necessity of self-reliance in defense, as global dynamics continue to evolve. His assertive stance highlights the importance of proactive measures in ensuring regional stability amid uncertain international relationships.