President Volodymyr Zelensky used a speech at the World Economic Forum on Jan. 22 to deliver a sharp warning to Europe, accusing its leaders of recognizing global threats year after year while failing to act decisively.
“Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech by saying Europe needs to know how to defend itself,” Zelensky said. “A year has passed, and nothing has changed. I am forced to say the same words again.”
Zelensky spoke shortly after holding talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the forum, in what marked their first in-person meeting this year.
After the talks, the Ukrainian president said a two-day trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia is scheduled to begin on Jan. 23 in the United Arab Emirates.
As a European, I do somewhat respect Zelensky’s courage here. He knows full well that Trump might very well drop him like a brick for some stupid reason at any time, and that Europe has been there to help him in those cases. Yet this needs to be said. Like a true friend he can tell us the harsh truth even if it could strain the relationship, because while lying would be easier in the moment, it would not be better. Holding his words to avoid conflict would be… the same mentality as trying to appease a dictator to avoid conflict.
Let’s do better Europe.