President Volodymyr Zelensky used a speech at the World Economic Forum on Jan. 22 to deliver a sharp warning to Europe, accusing its leaders of recognizing global threats year after year while failing to act decisively.
“Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech by saying Europe needs to know how to defend itself,” Zelensky said. “A year has passed, and nothing has changed. I am forced to say the same words again.”
Zelensky spoke shortly after holding talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the forum, in what marked their first in-person meeting this year.
After the talks, the Ukrainian president said a two-day trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia is scheduled to begin on Jan. 23 in the United Arab Emirates.
I’m not saying “look what you made him do.” I am saying that geopolitics relies on strength and perception. When Zelenskyy praises Trump—a man who openly bullies him and has been engaging in invasions himself—it projects weakness, not strength. That weakness emboldens aggressors like Putin. By praising Trump—the same person who kidnapped the President of Venezuela, bombed Nigeria, Iran & has threatened taking Greenland—Zelensky is praising someone engaging in the same behavior as Putin.
Furthermore, pointing out that Zelenskyy is willing to legitimize Trump’s behavior to keep the cash flowing is a valid critique of his character. It’s strange that the same people who (rightfully) criticize Trump for his authoritarianism turn a blind eye when Zelenskyy feeds Trump’s ego just to keep a proxy war going that is costing American citizens billions and costing Ukrainian citizens their lives via forced conscription.