Zelenskyy: Europe seems 'lost'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the podium at the World Economic Forum (WEF) currently underway in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. In his speech, Zelenskyy made statements regarding international developments as well as efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Regarding Europe's role in the diplomatic traffic between the US and European countries concerning Greenland, Zelenskyy said, "Instead of being a true global power, Europe resembles a kaleidoscope of fragmented small and medium-sized powers."

The Ukrainian President stated, "Especially as US attention shifts toward other topics, Europe currently seems 'lost' rather than making decisive decisions to protect freedoms worldwide. Even if some try to convince US President Donald Trump to change course, he will not change. President Trump likes himself as he is, and he says he likes Europe; however, he will not listen to such a Europe."

Zelenskyy said, "Europe still looks more like a geography, a history, a tradition, rather than a real political power. It is not a great power."

"Europe continues to remain in 'Greenland mode'"

Suggesting that European leaders remain inactive regarding the war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy compared the situation to the debates surrounding US efforts to acquire Greenland. The Ukrainian leader remarked, "Everyone's attention has turned to Greenland, and it is extremely clear that many leaders are unsure of what should be done about this issue. It seems everyone is hoping that the US will calm down about this matter and that the issue will pass on its own. But what if that doesn't happen?"

Zelenskyy said, "We have called on our European partners many times to take action, but Europe continues to remain in 'Greenland mode.' Perhaps one day someone will do something."

"Either European bases protect the region from Russia and China, or you will not be taken seriously"

In his statement regarding the stance of European countries on the Greenland issue, Zelenskyy used expressions similar to those of US President Donald Trump regarding the security of the Arctic region. Highlighting that the defense force in the autonomous region of Greenland, which is under Danish control, is weak, Zelenskyy said regarding the attitude of European countries, "Either you announce that European bases will protect the region from Russia and China and these bases are established, or you will not be taken seriously. Because 40 soldiers cannot protect anything."

Calling on European countries to support Ukraine, Zelenskyy said, "You need Ukraine's independence because one day you might have to defend your own way of life."

"If we were a NATO member, we could take action"

Warning that Russian warships are moving freely near Greenland, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's weapons and experience could be utilized to sink those vessels. Reminding that Ukraine has not been admitted to NATO, Zelenskyy stated, "These ships could be sunk near Greenland just as they were sunk near Crimea. If we were a NATO member and were asked, we could take action. We know how to fight there."

Trilateral meeting in the UAE

During the Q&A session of his speech, Zelenskyy announced that a trilateral meeting between U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials would take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting tomorrow, noting that this is a sign of intensifying peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader stated that the meeting would last for two days.

"My meeting with Trump was quite positive"

Furthermore, describing his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump prior to his speech at the forum as "very important," Zelenskyy reported that his contacts with Trump went well and conveyed his thanks to the U.S. President. Zelenskyy said, "In every dialogue I have with any leader, I have to defend the interests of my country. That is why dialogues are perhaps not always easy, but that was not the case today; today's was quite positive."

"We are in the final stage of peace talks"

Zelenskyy also made remarks regarding a potential peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine War, stating, "The documents that will end this war are almost ready. Teams from both the U.S. and Ukraine are working almost every day to end this war. Ukraine is working with complete honesty and determination, and it is yielding results. Russia must also be ready to end this war and stop this aggression." The Ukrainian leader described the current stage of peace negotiations as the "final phase," adding, "This part is very difficult."

News Source: 12punto