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.
War isn’t just physical combat, it’s psychological and political. Momentum matters. My argument is that praising an erratic leader like Trump, who openly disrespects Ukraine, signals to Russia that Ukraine’s backing is fragile.
Beyond that, “how war works” right now involves American tax dollars fueling a conflict that includes forced conscription of people who don’t want to fight. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to question the strategy of a leader who is praising the very people attacking American democratic norms, all while demanding American financial support.