Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has scolded European leaders for standing idly by as Russia escalates its aggression, accusing them of being in a state of "Greenland mode" - waiting passively for others to take action. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Zelenskyy made his remarks on the eve of a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy's comments were aimed squarely at European leaders who have been criticized for failing to provide adequate support to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. He accused them of being too hesitant to take action, waiting instead for the US to cool down on its demands regarding Greenland. The Ukrainian president argued that this approach was not only ineffective but also sent a signal to Putin and other adversaries that Europe was unwilling to stand up for itself.
In essence, Zelenskyy is calling on Europe to become more proactive in responding to Russia's aggression, both in Ukraine and beyond. He believes that the continent needs to take a more muscular approach to defending its interests, rather than relying solely on the US to do so. This includes taking action against Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, which bankroll its war machine.
The Ukrainian president also emphasized the need for Europe to be more united in its response to Russia's actions. He argued that a lack of coordination and collective action among European leaders was allowing Putin to play on their divisions and exploit their fears. In short, Zelenskyy is urging Europe to wake up from its "Greenland mode" and take a firmer stance against Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian president's comments come as tensions remain high between Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Trump has launched an international board of peace, which critics have described as a shadow United Nations, while Zelenskyy remains skeptical about the initiative. The two leaders met earlier in the day to discuss stalled talks for a peace deal, with Witkoff and Jared Kushner joining Putin in Moscow.
The upcoming trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US will be a crucial test of whether these three powers can put aside their differences and work towards a peaceful resolution. While Trump remains optimistic about the possibility of a deal, Zelenskyy is more cautious, arguing that Russia must be willing to make concessions in order for any progress to be made.
Ultimately, Zelenskyy's words serve as a wake-up call to European leaders, reminding them that they cannot afford to remain passive in the face of Russian aggression. By taking a firmer stance and becoming more proactive in defending its interests, Europe can help create a safer and more stable world for all.
Zelenskyy's comments were aimed squarely at European leaders who have been criticized for failing to provide adequate support to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. He accused them of being too hesitant to take action, waiting instead for the US to cool down on its demands regarding Greenland. The Ukrainian president argued that this approach was not only ineffective but also sent a signal to Putin and other adversaries that Europe was unwilling to stand up for itself.
In essence, Zelenskyy is calling on Europe to become more proactive in responding to Russia's aggression, both in Ukraine and beyond. He believes that the continent needs to take a more muscular approach to defending its interests, rather than relying solely on the US to do so. This includes taking action against Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, which bankroll its war machine.
The Ukrainian president also emphasized the need for Europe to be more united in its response to Russia's actions. He argued that a lack of coordination and collective action among European leaders was allowing Putin to play on their divisions and exploit their fears. In short, Zelenskyy is urging Europe to wake up from its "Greenland mode" and take a firmer stance against Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian president's comments come as tensions remain high between Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Trump has launched an international board of peace, which critics have described as a shadow United Nations, while Zelenskyy remains skeptical about the initiative. The two leaders met earlier in the day to discuss stalled talks for a peace deal, with Witkoff and Jared Kushner joining Putin in Moscow.
The upcoming trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US will be a crucial test of whether these three powers can put aside their differences and work towards a peaceful resolution. While Trump remains optimistic about the possibility of a deal, Zelenskyy is more cautious, arguing that Russia must be willing to make concessions in order for any progress to be made.
Ultimately, Zelenskyy's words serve as a wake-up call to European leaders, reminding them that they cannot afford to remain passive in the face of Russian aggression. By taking a firmer stance and becoming more proactive in defending its interests, Europe can help create a safer and more stable world for all.