- January 22, 2026
- 5:50 pm
- World News
The speech by the President of Ukraine in Davos on January 22, 2026, was one of the harshest throughout the forum. After negotiations with the President of the United States Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky publicly questioned Europe’s ability to defend itself — politically, militarily, and institutionally.
It was not about theory. Zelensky directly asked: if the US is capable of blocking Russia’s shadow fleet, why doesn’t Europe do the same? Why do European countries rely on American assistance in case of an attack, without having a plan “B” if Washington decides not to intervene?
The key thesis sounded sharp and deliberately provocative. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in prison in New York. The Russian president is not. And this, Zelensky emphasized, is happening in the fourth year of a major war in Europe. A fact that cannot be ignored, no matter how much one might want to.
The President of Ukraine reminded that exactly a year ago, at this same forum World Economic Forum in Davos, he spoke the same words. Over the year, in his assessment, nothing has changed: Europe still does not know how to defend itself and still hopes that “somehow it will work out.”
A separate block of the speech was dedicated to the security of the north. Zelensky directly pointed to Greenland — as an example of Europe’s strategic confusion. Sending a few dozen soldiers, he said, is not a signal of strength but a demonstration of uncertainty. If Russian ships are sailing off the coast, Ukraine is ready to help. It has experience. And an understanding of how to act in such conditions.
The audience responded with a standing ovation. Not out of politeness — out of recognition of the problem. Zelensky did not hide his skepticism regarding NATO: the alliance is perceived as a guarantee, but real actions beyond statements have been seen by few. Europe lives in faith in a mechanism that has never been fully tested.
There was also harsh criticism of institutional weakness. The tribunal for Russian war crimes still does not even have a building. Frozen Russian assets remain frozen — without a working mechanism for their use. This, according to Zelensky, is the result of Moscow’s deliberate policy.
He also pointed out a contradiction that Europe prefers not to speak about aloud: Russia receives components for missiles not only from China but also from EU countries and the US. Meanwhile, European capitals ask Kyiv not to raise the issue of Tomahawk missiles, so as “not to irritate Washington.”
In conclusion, Zelensky formulated a strategic conclusion. Europe needs a strong and independent Ukraine not out of solidarity, but out of pragmatism. Because tomorrow Europe may have to defend itself. And if Ukraine is nearby, he said, “no one will wipe their feet on you.”
This very message — without diplomatic padding and illusions — became central in Davos. Its meaning is simple: security does not work on trust and expectations. It works on actions and responsibility. This is what NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency writes about, capturing the moment when the issue of European weakness was voiced publicly and unvarnished.
