Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos –
Groundhog Day: Zelensky started his speech by mentioning the film where the lead character lives his life by repeating the same day over and over again. “That is how we live now,” he says, alluding to the diplomatic attempts to end the war.
Europe needs to protect itself, he says, but Europe sending 40 soldiers to Greenland won’t make a difference. He adds: “What messages does it send to Putin, to China.”
Europe’s weakness: He says that instead of standing together against Russia, instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a “fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers”. Zelensky also criticises Europe and the US for not stopping companies from selling missile components to Russia.
Frozen assets: He thanks leaders for freezing Russian assets but says when the time came to use them to defend Ukraine, it was blocked.
Security guarantees: Zelensky says “the backstop of President Trump is needed”.
Ending the war: Documents aimed at ending the war “are nearly ready” following Zelensky’s meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Trilateral meeting: Zelensky’s team will hold a meeting with the US team and Russia in the United Arab Emirates from tomorrow. He says Russia has to be ready for compromises.
