In a bold, bordering on insane, speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t mince words. He called on Europe to stop leaning on America for security, while paradoxically laying out demands that would likely require U.S. involvement and Russian concessions.
Zelensky warned, “A minimum of 200,000 European soldiers will be required to secure Ukraine after any peace deal is reached. A minimum, otherwise it’s nothing,” highlighting the need to keep Russian President Vladimir Putin in check.
He fiercely opposed Moscow’s demand to slash Ukraine’s 800,000-strong military down to a mere fifth of its size, warning it would leave the country defenseless. Calling for European unity, Zelensky declared, “Europe must establish itself as a strong, global player, as an indispensable player… one that can take care of itself.”
But he didn’t stop there. He took to X (formerly Twitter), questioning whether Donald Trump would value NATO, notice Europe, or respect its institutions. He also reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to joining NATO, describing it as the nation’s best security guarantee. However, Moscow has vowed to block this ambition at all costs. Interestingly, Zelensky even backed Trump’s proposed 5% GDP target for defense spending, describing it as a reasonable push for greater military investment.
Energy Independence and European Leadership
Zelensky criticized Europe’s continued reliance on Russian gas, urging the continent to break free from this energy dependence. He called out the contradiction of expecting U.S. security guarantees while continuing to fund Moscow through gas purchases. He wrote on X, “It is impossible to keep buying gas from Moscow while expecting security guarantees, help, and backup from the Americans.”
At the same time, Zelensky pushed for European energy independence despite Trump’s promises to bolster energy supplies. In another X post, he argued, “Europe must have a seat at the table when deals about war and peace are made… Europe deserves to be more than just a bystander.”
Meetings, Innovation, and Europe’s Role
Amidst his Davos meetings with leaders from Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Albania, and Vietnam, Zelensky’s posts hinted at little more than photo opportunities. Yet, he pivoted to discuss Europe’s potential in tech and innovation. He emphasized the importance of proving Europe’s indispensability to Washington, writing, “One day, in Washington, they’ll say – all eyes on Europe. Not because of war. But because of the opportunities in Europe.”
Zelensky’s message was clear: Europe must step up, shed its reliance on the U.S., and forge its own path to strength and independence in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical shifts.
