There’s a New Global Leader in the Room: Zelenskyy

One theme was quite obvious in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s single-minded, prophetic speech today at the Davos World Economic Forum: Europe must evolve from being a cute continent of small countries to a formidable, united geo-political and military force that is capable of keeping unceasingly aggressive and dangerous Russia confined to its borders.

Motivated by his country’s four-year existential war against Russian aggression as well President Donald Trump’s vision of new world order of his design, Zelenskyy observed with thoughts of the future “Right now, all eyes are on Washington. But who’s actually watching Europe at the moment? That’s the key question for Europe. And it’s not just about ideas. It’s about people, first of all. It’s about how they’ll live in a world that’s constantly changing.”

Noting sarcastically at the outset that the world is caught in a “Groundhog Day” syndrome where war, peace, threats constantly rotate ad nauseum, the Ukrainian president asked “Most of the world’s now thinking – so, what’s going happen to their relationship with America? What will happen to alliances? To support? To trade? How does President Trump plan to end wars? But no-one is asking these kinds of questions about Europe. And we need to be honest about that.” Zelenskyy’s rhetorical reply is that Europe must take the lead in defending its territory from the Russian border to the Atlantic Ocean.

“Washington does not believe Europe can bring them something that is really substantial,” Zelenskyy claimed. Will President Trump even notice Europe? Does he see NATO as necessary? And will he respect EU institutions?”

In this pre-global conflagration, Zelenskyy posed a daring challenge: “Ladies and gentlemen, Europe can’t afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe, and that’s a world that will not be comfortable or beneficial for all Europeans.

Europe needs to compete for the top spot in priorities, alliances and technological development.

We’re at yet another turning point, which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player; as an indispensable player.”

Alluding to his recent calls for the establishment of a European army, Zelenskyy said “Europe needs to know how to defend itself.”

Zelenskyy continued “Next point. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it again: Europe needs united armed forces – forces that can truly defend Europe. Today, Europe relies only on the belief that if danger comes, NATO will act. But no one has really seen the Alliance in action. If Putin decides to take Lithuania or strike Poland, who will respond? Who will respond?

“Right now, NATO exists thanks to belief – belief that the United States will act, that it will not stand aside, and will help. But what if it doesn’t?

“Believe me, this question is… It’s everywhere, in the minds of every European leader. And some try to get closer to President Trump. It’s true. Some wait – hoping the problem will disappear. Some have started acting – investing in weapons production, and et cetera, building partnerships, getting public support for higher defense spending…”

Furthermore, the danger posed by imperial Russia is enhanced by a clear boundary like the one enjoyed by the United States. “Let’s not forget – there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia. And European leaders should remember this – battles involving North Korean soldiers are now happening in places geographically closer to Davos than to Pyongyang,” he said.

Russia is turning in a version of despotic North Korea and its economic potential is smaller than Europe’s, Zelenskyy said the evil Empire produces several times more ammunition and military equipment than all of Europe combined. “That’s exactly the path of wars Moscow chooses to take,” he said.

Russia has already signed comprehensive military treaties with North Korea and Iran that will be used against Europe and America – “all of us,” Zelenskyy warned.

“We must not forget about it. It is not by chance. These are their strategic priorities, and our priorities must match the challenge – in politics, and in defense, and in economy,” he advised.

This also pertains to the armed forces. Zelenskyy said Russia has about 1.3-1.5 million troops. Ukraine has more than 800,000 in its military but they’re dedicated to fighting Russia. Second comes France with over 200,000; then Germany, Italy and the UK. “Everyone else has less. This isn’t a situation where one country can secure itself alone. It’s about all of us standing together to mean something,” he said.

The Ukrainian president said it’s not clear whether Europe will even have a seat at the table when the war against Ukraine country ends.

“We see how much influence China has on Russia and we are deeply grateful to Europe for all the support it’s given our country during this war. But will President Trump listen to Europe, or will he negotiate with Russia and China without Europe? Europe needs to learn how to fully take care of itself, so that the world can’t afford to ignore it,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president reminded the assemblage of the defense of Greenland and Ukraine’s participation. “You either declare that European bases will protect the region from Russia and China – and establish those bases – or you risk not being taken seriously because 30 or 40 soldiers won’t protect anything.

“And we know what to do. If Russian warships are sailing freely around Greenland, Ukraine can help – we have the expertise and weapons to ensure not one of those ships remains. They can sink near Greenland just as they do near Crimea. No problem – we have the tools, and we have people.”

With unity in Europe being a maintain ingredient, because the world cares about Europe as a whole, Zelenskyy said “We need a united European security and defense policy, and all European countries must be willing, willing to spend as much on security as is truly needed – not just as much as they’ve gotten used to during years of neglect.”

Zelenskyy bemoaned the fact that Europeans turn against each other – “leaders, parties, movements, and communities – instead of standing together to stop Russia, which brings the same destruction to everyone.” Instead of becoming a truly global power, Zelenskyy said “Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers. Instead of taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide, especially when America’s focus shifts elsewhere – Europe looks lost, trying to convince the U.S. President to change. But he will not change.

“President Trump loves who he is. And he says he loves Europe. But he will not listen to this kind of Europe. One of the biggest problems in today’s Europe – though it’s not often talked about – is the mindset. Some European leaders are from Europe, but not always for Europe. And Europe still feels more like a geography, a history, a tradition – not a real political force, not a great power.”

A united mindset must also be evident in joint actions against aggressors like Russia and punishments. For example, he continued, “But when the time came to use those assets to defend against Russian aggression, the decision was blocked. Putin managed to stop Europe. Unfortunately.”

It is unfortunate that the international community and America has been purposefully silent about the International Criminal Court, saying it’s an American historical position. Simultaneously, there has been no real progress on establishing a Special Tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine, against the Ukrainian people. And we have an agreement – it’s true. “Many meetings have taken place. But still, Europe hasn’t reached even the point of having a home for the Tribunal – with staff and actual work happening inside. What’s missing – time or political will? Too often in Europe, something else is always more urgent than justice,” he said.

And punishment. In the Western Hemisphere, Zelenskyy reminded the audience President Trump led an operation in Venezuela. “And Maduro was arrested. And there were different opinions, but the fact remains: Maduro is on trial in New York.

However, Sorry, but Putin – an international war criminal – is not on trial. And this is the fourth year of the biggest war in Europe since World War II – and the man who started it is not only free, he’s still fighting for his frozen money in Europe. And you know what? He’s having some success. It’s true.”

He revealed that Kyiv has already set-up models of cooperation for Ukraine’s defense that can make Europe stronger. “We’re building drones together – including some totally unique ones that no-one else in the world has. We’re producing artillery together – and in Ukraine, it’s much cheaper and faster than in any other country in the world,” he continued.

Investing in Ukrainian drones’ production is investing not only in security of Europe but the ability of Europe to be a security guarantor for other vital regions, he elaborated. Furthermore, he urged, Europe needs to build air defense systems together – ones that can deal with all types of cruise and ballistic missiles. Capitalizing on an Israeli concept that has lately been repeated by President Trump, Zelenskyy said Europe needs its own version of the Iron Dome, “something that can deal with any kind of threat.”

Energy is another vital ingredient and European countries cannot be dependent on a single energy supplier, especially not Russia. “Right now, things are on our side – President Trump is going to export more energy. “But Europe needs to step up and do more long-term work to secure real energy independence. You can’t keep buying gas from Moscow while also expecting security guarantees, help, and backup from the Americans. That’s just wrong.”

Europe’s participation in peace talks should not be relegated to social media, Zelenskyy said, but rather 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, with its leaders reduced to posting on X after an agreement has already been made. Europe needs to shape the terms of those deals.”

He urged European lead in weapons production and technological development and “Europe must become the most attractive market in the world – and that’s achievable.”

With wars erupting around the world, Zelenskyy said Europe must be able to guarantee peace and security for everybody in the world who matter to Europe.

“Europe deserves to be strong. And for this, Europe needs the EU and NATO. Is this possible without Ukraine and without a just end to Russia’s war against Ukraine? I’m certain the answer is ‘no,’” he continued.

“Only real security guarantees for us will serve as real security guarantees for everyone in Europe. And we must ensure that America also sees us as essential. For that to happen, America’s focus must shift to Europe. So that one day, in Washington, they will say – all eyes on Europe. And not because of war, but because of the opportunities in Europe,” Zelenskyy explained.

“Hundreds of millions of people visit Europe to see its landmarks, to learn from its cultural heritage. Millions in the world dream of living like the Europeans do. Will we be able to keep it and pass it to our children? If we in Europe can answer positively, America will need Europe as well as other global players. Europe must shape history for itself and its allies to remain not just relevant, but alive and great."

With this speech, President Zelenskyy not only possesses the distinction of being a heroic national leader, keeping at bay its vicious enemy Russia, but he’s also a leading global visionary player in building a new democratic, secure, prosperous world.