Zelenskyy slams Europe at Davos: It has lost its way

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a scathing critique of European "inactivity" during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, stating the continent appears to have "lost its way" and remains stuck in a repetitive loop of failed self-defense and hesitant support.

Likening the current geopolitical state to the film Groundhog Day, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over repeating the same warnings for years without seeing strategic shifts. He argued that Europe continues to act as a "fragmented kaleidoscope of small and medium powers" rather than a cohesive global political force, leaving it vulnerable to Russian aggression.

Criticism of the Greenland crisis and military messaging

Zelenskyy specifically addressed the recent tensions surrounding Greenland, questioning the effectiveness of Europe's symbolic military gestures in the Arctic. "If you send 14 or 40 soldiers to Greenland, what does that mean? What message are you sending?" he asked. He noted that such small deployments fail to deter powers like Russia or China and instead send a confusing message to close allies like Denmark, emphasizing that "forty soldiers cannot protect anything."

The Trump factor and European dependence

The Ukrainian leader also touched upon the "Trump dilemma," suggesting that Europe is wasting time trying to convince the U.S. President to change his stance. "President Trump likes who he is. He says he loves Europe, but he doesn’t listen to Europe," Zelenskyy remarked. He urged European nations to build their own deterrence and defense capabilities instead of remaining entirely dependent on Washington, though he acknowledged that no security guarantee can be fully functional without the U.S. role.

Demands for advanced weaponry and oil seizures

Expressing deep disappointment over the West's reluctance to provide advanced systems like Tomahawk missiles, Zelenskyy called for more direct action against Russia's military industry. He questioned why Europe has not seized Russian "shadow fleet" tankers, noting that "If Putin has no money, there is no war for Europe." He further criticized the lack of a firm European response to the bloody crackdown on protests in Iran, contrasting it with the judicial proceedings against other global leaders.

NATO Chief warns of distracted focus

The shift in Davos' focus toward the Greenland debate also drew a reaction from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Echoing Zelenskyy's concerns about a distracted alliance, Rutte stated, "The main issue right now is not Greenland, it is Ukraine." Zelenskyy concluded by reminding world leaders that while they debate in Switzerland, millions in Kyiv remain without heat or electricity in -20 degree temperatures due to ongoing Russian strikes.

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Source: Euro News