Europe risks being left behind, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, one day after Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the United States.
Under Joe Biden, Europe was not the top priority for the United States, and it risks falling even further behind under Trump, Zelenskyy warned.
“Today, all eyes are on Washington, but who cares about Europe?” he wondered. “Washington does not think Brussels can contribute anything.”
Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must learn to handle its affairs autonomously, pointing to its weak defence. “The US has much more ammunition. Europe must take the lead,” otherwise “the world will move on without Europe,” he cautioned.
The Ukrainian president voiced concern about Trump’s willingness to engage with Europe: “Will President Trump listen to Europe or negotiate with Russia and China without Europe?” he asked, considering possible negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump promised in November to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours.” During his inaugural address on Monday, he did not mention Ukraine at all.
“Will President Trump acknowledge Europe? Does he still see the need for NATO?” Zelenskyy wondered.
European countries are strong together and must act as a united bloc, he emphasised.
