We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Alamy Stock Photo

Zelenskyy references Groundhog Day and criticises European inaction in Davos speech

In a change of tone for the Ukrainian leader, he lamented Europe’s lack of ‘political will’ in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR Zelenskyy has slammed European inaction over Russian aggression after meeting US President Donald Trump for a “positive” talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

He referenced the film Groundhog Day where the main character repeats the same day while alluding to attempts to end the war in Ukraine.

“No one wants to live like that,” he said, “repeating the same thing for weeks, months, years, and that’s how we live now.”

Zelenskyy said the conversation brought agreement about what post-war US security guarantees for Ukraine would look like.

He did not say what the security guarantees included, only that they were “done” and were ready to be signed by the leaders and ratified by the Ukrainian parliament and US Congress.

In a change of tone for the Ukrainian leader he lamented Europe’s lack of ‘political will’ in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“What’s missing? Time or political will?” he asked after alleging that Europe has made ‘no real progress’ around criminal investigations into Russia.

He said Europe was “fragmented” and looked “lost” trying to convince the US president to change – something Zelenskyy said will not happen.

“Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers,” he said, adding: “Europe looks lost trying to convince the US president to change.”

He went on to say that although some Europeans are “really strong”, they “always need someone else to tell them how long they need to stand strong for”.

He said that that’s not how great powers work, adding that Europe faces challenges to the “European way of life”.

“America is changing its position but no one knows exactly how. Things move faster, how can Europe keep up with that?” he said.

“Some European leaders are from Europe, but not for Europe,” he added.

He also said Europe “needs to protect itself” by investing more in security, adding that many counties did not meet their defence pledges until Trump pressed them.

He said ”the backstop of President Trump is needed” for true security.

However, he criticised both Europe and the US for allowing companies to sell Russia missiles.

“Europe says nothing, America says almost nothing, and Putin makes missiles,” he said.

Trump also described their talk as good and said Russia’s nearly four-year-old war with Kyiv “has to end”.

The United Arab Emirates will host “trilateral” talks on the war this week with Ukrainian, US and Russian officials, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader did not elaborate on the format of the talks, or whether Ukrainian and Russian officials would negotiate directly, and his office did not respond to requests to clarify.

“It will be the first trilateral meeting in the Emirates. It will be tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,” he said, adding: “Russians have to be ready for compromises.”

With additional reporting from AFP

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 47 comments
Close
47 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds