Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday delivered a fiery speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, slamming Europe for not doing enough to stop Russia and its President Vladimir Putin.
Accusing European leaders of being in “Greenland mode”, Zelenskyy said that they were waiting for US President Donald Trump to act instead of taking decisive actions on their own.
In the address delivered right after his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting, Zelenskyy said that Europe currently “looks lost” and is only trying to convince the US President to change, adding bluntly that he won’t change.
“Everyone gave attention to Greenland, and it is clear most leaders are not sure what to do about it. It seems like everyone is just waiting for America to cool down on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if it does not: what then?,” he asked.
The Ukrainian President said that “Europe must learn how to defend itself” and added, “Sending 14 or 40 soldiers to Greenland – what is that meant to achieve? What message does that send to Putin? To China? And perhaps, most importantly, what message does it send to Denmark?”
He said that Europe doesn’t look like a great power. “It still feels more like a geography, history, a tradition, not real political force.”
Endorses Trump’s assertions on NATO
Zelenskyy apparently endorsed Trump’s assertions that NATO will not be able to defend itself against China and Russia without the US.
“If Putin decided to take Lithuania or strike Poland, who would respond? NATO exists thanks to the belief that the United States will act — that it will not stand aside and will help. But what if it does not?” he asked.
He also questioned the lack of action from European nations against sanctioned Russian oil tankers. “Why can Trump stop tankers from the shadow fleet and seize oil, but Europe does not?”
He stressed that the Russian oil must be stopped, confiscated, and sold for Europe’s benefit. “If Putin has no money, there is no war. If Europe has the resources, it can protect its people,” he added.
‘Ukraine may be able to help if Russia attacks Greenland’
Zelenskyy also suggested that Ukraine may be able to help Greenland in case Russia attacks the territory. “We know what to do if Russian warships go near Greenland, Ukraine can help with that. They can sink near Greenland just as they do near Crimea.”
He said, “Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words, “Europe needs to know how to defend itself.” A year has passed, and nothing has changed.”
Greenland issue: Donald Trump backs off on Europe tariff threat after NATO discussions
After Zelenskyy’s outburst, Macron says French Navy intercepted Russial oil tanker
Shortly after Zelenskyy’s angry outburst, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French Navy intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean.
Zelenskyy thanked him and said that this is exactly the kind of resolve needed to ensure that Russian oil no longer finances Russia’s war. “Russian tankers operating near European shores must be stopped,” he said.
Meanwhile, the US, Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to meet in the UAE later this week to discuss the Ukraine peace plan.