Ukrainian leader criticises EU inaction at Davos, reveals US security guarantees are finalised and announces trilateral talks in the UAE.
DAVOS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a sharp critique of the European Union’s “political will” during an address at the World Economic Forum on Thursday.
His remarks followed a meeting with US President Donald Trump, where they agreed on the framework for post-war US security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelensky stated the guarantees were “done” and ready for signatures and ratification by both nations’ legislatures.
In a departure from his usual tone, he directly questioned EU inaction, particularly on establishing a European war crimes tribunal for the Russian invasion.
“What’s missing: time or political will?” he asked the Davos audience.
He argued that internal disputes prevent Europe from uniting to address global challenges effectively.
“Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president also commented on Europe’s relationship with the Trump administration.
“Europe looks lost trying to convince the US President to change,” he stated.
“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.”
Trump described his meeting with Zelensky as “good” ahead of his envoys’ planned talks in Moscow.
“This war has to end,” Trump told reporters when asked about his message to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky identified control of territory in eastern Ukraine as the primary unresolved issue in peace negotiations.
“It’s all about the eastern part of our country. It’s all about the land. This is the issue which we (have) not solved yet.”
He announced that the United Arab Emirates would host trilateral talks involving Ukrainian, US and Russian negotiators starting Friday.
“It will be the first trilateral meeting in the Emirates,” said Zelensky.
“Russians have to be ready for compromises,” he added.
Russia currently occupies around 20% of Ukraine and seeks full control of the eastern Donbas region in any deal.
