Zelensky harshly criticizes Europe: They still don't know how to defend themselves

2026-01-22 18:27:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Zelensky harshly criticizes Europe: They still don't know how to defend

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed harsh criticism of Europe during a speech in Davos, where he said that European leaders are totally focused on the Greenland issue, and that they are waiting for US President Donald Trump to make decisions on Ukraine and other geopolitical crises.

"Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words that Europe must know how to protect itself. A year has passed and nothing has changed. Europe remains in Greenland mode, maybe someone somewhere will do something," Zelenskyy said in a speech at the World Economic Forum.

In his speech, Zelensky avoided criticism of the US president, instead blaming Europeans for being at the mercy of an increasingly "unpredictable" White House.

“Everyone paid attention to Greenland, and it’s clear that most leaders are not sure what to do about it. It seems like everyone is waiting for America to calm down on this issue, hoping it will pass. What if it doesn’t pass: what then?

Europe must learn how to defend itself. Sending 14 or 40 soldiers to Greenland - what is it intended to achieve? What message does this send to Putin? To China?

And perhaps most importantly, what message does it send to Denmark? Today, Europe relies solely on the belief that if danger comes, then NATO will react. But no one has really seen the alliance in action. If Putin decides to take Lithuania or attack Poland, who will respond? Right now, NATO exists thanks to the belief that the United States will act... but what happens if they don't?" the Ukrainian president said.

He also suggested that Europe should play a stronger role in targeting Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers that help fund its war machine, and said it remains too easy for Russia to bypass sanctions that allow it to continue mass production of missiles and other munitions.

Zelensky's speech, aimed at Europe for failing to respond to instability in American leadership, came after he met with Trump to discuss stalled talks on a peace deal that would end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Trump told reporters that his meeting with Zelenskyy was good, but that there was still a long way to go before peace could be achieved. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet with Vladimir Putin later on Thursday. Witkoff said the fact that the meeting was called by the Russians was a good sign. Asked in Davos if he had a message for Putin, Trump said: “The war has to end.” /CNA