Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky launched one of his harshest criticisms against Europe at the World Economic Forum in Davos since the start of the Russian invasion, denouncing the lack of political leadership, the fragmented response to global challenges, and the insufficiency of military support for Kyiv. For Zelensky, such gestures lack real deterrent effect and expose the continent's strategic weakness. The Ukrainian leader stated that Europe "still feels more like a geography and a history than a great political power" and described the bloc as a "fragmented kaleidoscope of small and medium-sized powers." In a speech laden with warnings, he asserted that the continent "seems lost" and trapped in an inertia that, he claimed, puts not only Ukraine but all of European security architecture at risk. Zelensky compared Europe's attitude to the constant repetition of mistakes, alluding to the American film "Groundhog Day." "No one would want to live like this, repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and years," he said. He also questioned what message is being sent to Russia, China, or even Denmark, pointing out that Iran has suppressed internal protests with thousands of deaths without facing decisive consequences and comparing that scenario to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is undergoing judicial processes in the United States. "Maduro is being judged in New York. The man who started this war is still free and fighting for his money frozen in Europe," Zelensky stated. He also questioned why Europe is not advancing with tougher measures against the resources that finance the Russian war. "However, this is exactly how we live now," he said, pointing out that despite his warnings last year at the same forum, Europe has not moved towards a stronger self-defense or decisive support for Ukraine. One of the central axes of his intervention was the criticism of the European reaction to the crisis around Greenland, where some countries sent small military contingents. "If you send 14 or 40 soldiers to Greenland, what is that for?" he asked. Zelensky also addressed the military issue, offering Ukraine's experience in naval operations, recalling the successful attacks on Russian ships near Crimea. "We will solve this problem with the Russian ships," he said, while expressing his frustration at the West's reluctance to supply advanced weapon systems. In a particularly critical segment, he contrasted Russia's situation with that of other questioned regimes. "What message is being sent to Russia, to China, or even to Denmark?" he wondered. Zelensky arrived in Davos after critical days in Kyiv, where extensive Russian bombings left wide areas without electricity or heating amid extreme temperatures. In this context, he questioned European attempts to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to modify his stance. "The support of President Trump is needed," he stated. Regarding the peace negotiations, the Ukrainian president indicated that the documents regarding post-war security guarantees are "almost ready," but emphasized that their effectiveness depends centrally on the support of the United States. "He says he loves Europe, but he will not listen to this Europe," he concluded. In parallel, Trump declared in Davos that he wants to "stop" the conflict, although so far diplomatic efforts have not achieved concrete results. Zelensky's statements revived the debate on Europe's role in the war and exposed the growing concern that other agendas, such as the dispute over Greenland, may shift the focus from the continent's main security crisis: Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky also revealed that diplomats had advised not to mention certain long-range missiles "to spoil the mood" in Washington, an attitude he considered dangerous. In a particularly critical segment, he contrasted the situation in Russia with that of other questioned regimes. "What message is being sent to Russia, to China, or even to Denmark?" he asked. Zelensky also revealed that diplomats had advised not to mention certain long-range missiles "to spoil the mood" in Washington, an attitude he considered dangerous. "No security guarantee works without the United States," he stressed. Despite having considered canceling the trip, he decided to attend the forum to insist on the urgency of stopping the war. "Trump loves what is. Putin does not."
