Zelensky Rebukes Europe at Davos: 'Talk Is Not Enough' — Calls For Stronger Action Against Russia

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a pointed critique of European leaders, accusing them of prolonged debate but insufficient action in the face of Russia’s aggression.

“Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today, action that defines what kind of future we will have,” Zelensky said on Thursday, invoking a sense of urgency that framed his remarks throughout the address.

He referenced the film Groundhog Day — in which the same day repeats again and again — to underline his frustration that little has changed since he spoke at Davos a year earlier. Describing the continent as “lost,” he said Europe remains “a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers” when it should be “taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide.”

Zelensky singled out some positive steps, thanking U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for proposing post-cease-fire security guarantees. Even so, he warned that Europe has yet to show the cohesive leadership necessary to deter further aggression.

Before his public remarks, Zelensky reportedly met privately with U.S. President Donald Trump. He stressed Washington’s central role in any lasting settlement:

“President Trump is needed,” Zelensky said. “No security guarantees work without the U.S.”

Turning to concrete measures, Zelensky highlighted recent interceptions of Russian oil shipments as the kind of immediate action Europe could expand. He noted that President Macron confirmed the seizure of a vessel during Zelensky’s speech and urged intensified efforts to detain Russian-flagged tankers on the high seas.

“Russian oil is being transported right along European shores. That oil funds the war against Ukraine, that oil helps destabilize Europe,” he said, proposing that seized cargoes be confiscated and sold “for Europe’s benefit.”

Zelensky pressed Europe to stop accepting a secondary role on the world stage. “We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles, not when we have a chance to be a great power together,” he said. “When united, we are truly invincible, and Europe can and must be a global force, not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.”

He also cautioned against relying solely on the prospect of changing U.S. leadership. Referring to a recent transatlantic spat over Greenland, he argued that many European leaders appear uncertain and are waiting for America to "cool down" before acting. “Everyone turned attention to Greenland... And it seems like everyone is just waiting for America to cool down on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if it will not, what then?” he asked.

Zelensky referenced reports and claims about U.S. actions in Venezuela to illustrate his point about accountability — noting that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has faced legal proceedings abroad — and contrasted that with the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been brought to trial despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in March 2023. (Some accounts he referenced remain disputed or unverified.)

On Iran, Zelensky said many are awaiting a U.S. response and that, in his view, the world is offering too little in support of Iranian protesters and democratic demands. He observed that prior threats did not result in direct military intervention, which left some protesters feeling abandoned.

In closing, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to end the war that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion and called on Europe and the United States to increase pressure on Moscow and provide additional support to Kyiv. “Russia must become ready to finish this war, to stop this aggression,” he said.

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