Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized European allies for a slow and inadequate response to Russia’s invasion nearly four years ago, warning that the continent’s hesitation has left Ukraine vulnerable.
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Zelenskyy compared Europe’s response to the film Groundhog Day, in which the main character is forced to relive the same day again, suggesting that little has changed despite repeated warnings.
“Europe still feels more like a geography, a history, a tradition, not a real political force, not a great power,” Zelenskyy said.
He accused European leaders of moving too slowly on key decisions, underinvesting in defense, failing to stop Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers that bypass international sanctions, and hesitating to use frozen Russian assets in Europe to help finance Ukraine.
Also, Zelenskyy compared Europe’s approach to what he described as Washington’s more decisive actions in Venezuela and Iran, arguing that the European Union must take greater responsibility for its own security.
“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,” he said.
He added that Ukrainians themselves feel trapped in a similar cycle, repeating the same struggle week after week, month after month, as the war drags on.
Zelenskyy’s Meeting with Trump in Davos
Zelenskyy’s remarks came after a meeting with Trump, where he described the discussions as productive and substantive.
Also Read: Zelenskyy’s Forces Repel Attacks, Eliminate 370 Russian Troops, Destroy 1,400 Drones in a Week
Previously, he stated that he would only travel to Davos if there were the opportunity to sign an agreement with Trump on resolving the nearly four-year war, including with security guarantees and post-war reconstruction funding for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Davos said his message to Putin is that the war in Ukraine must end.
Elsewhere, during the annual meeting of Global elites, Trump made an oft-repeated claim on Wednesday that Putin and Zelenskyy were close to a deal.
“I believe they’re at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don’t, they’re stupid, that goes for both,” said Trump
Previous U.S Talks with Russia and Ukraine
The US has held talks separately with Russia, Ukraine, and European leaders on various drafts of a plan for ending the war, but no deal has yet been reached despite Trump’s repeated promises to clinch one.
Also Read: Zelensky Announces Ukraine–Russia–U.S. Trilateral Talks in UAE
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s efforts to end the war but said Ukraine still needs military help as it continues to come under Russian missile and drone attacks.
“What we need is to keep our eyes on the ball of Ukraine. Let’s not drop that ball. And that means, yes, great, peace talks. Fantastic. We will do everything to conclude them successfully, but that will not happen tomorrow,” he said.
The talks come as Russian attacks this week have left most of the Ukrainian capital without electricity, with residents of nearly 3,000 buildings in Kyiv without heat in sub-zero temperatures.
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