Zelensky blasts Europe as ‘lost’, urges stronger response to Russia and support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a sharp critique of Europe’s handling of the ongoing war in Ukraine during his address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

“Europe looks lost,” Zelensky said, urging the continent to assert itself as a global political force. He contrasted Europe’s cautious approach with the United States’ bold actions in other conflicts, including Venezuela and Iran.

Referring to the film Groundhog Day, Zelensky highlighted Europe’s repetitive inaction.

“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. We are still in a situation where I must say the same words again,” he said.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister reported recent manpower issues highlighting the need for Western military support.

“Ukrainians, too, seem caught in that reality in the war, repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and, of course, for years. And yet that is exactly how we live now. It’s our life,” he said.

Zelensky called it “productive and meaningful,” while Trump described the session as “very good.” The discussions reportedly included Ukraine’s need for air defense systems to protect against repeated Russian strikes on power infrastructure.

Zelensky thanked Trump for providing Patriot missile defense systems and requested additional units to safeguard civilians from power outages and heating shortages.

“Europe still feels more like a geography, history, a tradition, not a real political force, not a great power,” he said. He added that some European countries often rely on others to decide how long they should stand firm, “preferably until the next election.”

“Russians have to be ready for compromises because, you know, everybody has to be ready, not only Ukraine, and this is important for us,” he said.

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Moscow for additional discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky confirmed that postwar security guarantees and the future status of Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine remain unresolved, though peace proposals are “nearly ready.”