Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered one of his most scathing speeches yet at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday, accusing European leaders of complacency, indecision, and moral inconsistency as Russia’s war against Ukraine enters its fourth year.
Drawing sharp contrasts between Western actions elsewhere and their response to Russia, Zelenskyy posed a blunt question to the global elite gathered in Davos: Why is Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on trial in New York, while Russian President Vladimir Putin remains free?
‘Groundhog Day’ for Europe and Ukraine
Opening his address with a reference to the film Groundhog Day, Zelenskyy described Europe’s security posture as stuck in a repetitive cycle of warnings without action.
“Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech by saying Europe needs to know how to defend itself,” he said. “A year has passed, and nothing has changed. I am forced to say the same words again.”
For Ukraine, he added, the repetition is not rhetorical but existential. “We have been living the same day for four years. That is our life now.”
‘Maduro Is On Trial, But Putin Is Not’
Zelenskyy’s most striking remarks came when he contrasted the United States’ decisive actions in Venezuela with Europe’s response to Russian aggression.
“President Trump led an operation in Venezuela, and Maduro was arrested. There were different opinions about it, but the fact remains — Maduro is on trial in New York,” Zelenskyy said.
“Sorry, but Putin is not on trial.”
He pointed out that despite launching the largest war in Europe since World War II, Putin continues to operate freely while fighting legal battles to reclaim frozen Russian assets held in Europe.
“This is the fourth year of the war, and the man who started it is still free,” Zelenskyy said.
Criticism of Europe’s Defence and Energy Policy
Zelenskyy accused Europe of failing to build a coherent defence strategy, noting that several countries increased military spending only after pressure from US President Donald Trump.
“What message does this send to Putin? To China?” he asked.
He also criticised Europe’s reluctance to confront Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, which he said continues to finance Moscow’s war effort.
“Why can President Trump stop tankers and seize oil, but Europe doesn’t?” Zelenskyy asked. “That oil funds the war against Ukraine. That oil destabilises Europe itself.”
During his speech, reports emerged that the French Navy, acting on British intelligence, intercepted a suspected Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean — an action Zelenskyy later praised as “exactly the kind of resolve needed.”
Europe ‘Lost’ and Fragmented
Zelenskyy described Europe as a “fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers” that talks endlessly about the future but avoids decisive action today.
“Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action now — action that defines what kind of future we will have,” he said.
He warned that Europe’s credibility as a global actor is eroding as Russia continues missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, while no special tribunal has been created to prosecute Russian war crimes.
Trump Talks and the Path to Peace
Zelenskyy spoke shortly after holding an hour-long meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the forum — their first in-person meeting of 2026.
Calling the discussions “important,” Zelenskyy said he raised the issue of strengthening Ukraine’s air defences and accelerating efforts to end the war.
“Our teams are working almost every day,” he said. “The documents to end this war are nearly ready. Ukraine is acting with honesty and determination. Russia must be forced to stop this aggression.”
While thanking leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for offering post-ceasefire security guarantees, Zelenskyy stressed that no peace framework would work without strong US involvement.
“No security guarantees work without the United States,” he said bluntly.
A Warning to Europe
Zelenskyy concluded with a stark warning: Europe cannot afford to remain reactive or defer leadership to Washington indefinitely.
“When you refuse to help people fighting for democracy, consequences return,” he said. “We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles. When united, Europe can be a global force — not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.”
As applause echoed through the Davos hall, the message was unmistakable: Ukraine is running out of time — and, Zelenskyy implied, so is Europe.
