Zelenskyy addressed the Davos Forum — main statements

On Tuesday, January 21, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos. In his speech, the Head of State raised the issue of the future of Europe in the face of current global challenges.

It was reported by Novyny.LIVE.

Highlights from Zelenskyy’s speech

In his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe needs to establish itself as a strong player on the world stage, able to defend its interests in cooperation with powerful global forces.

"Europe cannot afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If this happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe, and it will be a world that will be neither comfortable nor beneficial for all Europeans. Europe needs to compete for primacy in priorities, alliances, and technological development.
We are at another turning point, which some see as a challenge for Europe, while others see as an opportunity. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player. As an irreplaceable player," the President said.

The Head of State paid special attention to the threats from Russia, noting that Russia is turning into a version of North Korea, a country with nuclear weapons and aggressive policies that threaten the security of Europe. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity among European countries to effectively counter these threats and ensure security on the continent.

"We should not forget that there is no ocean between European countries and Russia. And European leaders should remember this: battles involving North Korean soldiers are now taking place in places geographically closer to Davos than Pyongyang. Such threats can only be countered together. Even when it comes to the size of the army. Russia can deploy about 1.3... maybe 1.5 million troops. We have more than 800,000 in the army. France is in second place after us with over 200,000. Then Germany, Italy, and the UK. The rest have less. This is not a situation where one country can defend itself. This is a situation where we all have to stand together to mean something," the Ukrainian leader added.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of developing joint defence projects in Ukraine and Europe, particularly in the production of drones and artillery. The President called for the creation of a common European security and defence policy and investment in modern Air Defence Systems capable of countering any threat, including cruise and ballistic missiles.

In the context of international politics, Zelenskyy drew attention to the influence of China on Russia and expressed doubts about whether Europe would be at the negotiating table at all when the war against Ukraine ends.

"We see how great the influence of China on Russia is. We are deeply grateful to Europe for all the support it has given our country during this war. But will President Trump listen to Europe, or will he negotiate with Russia and China without the participation of Europe?
Europe must learn to take care of itself so that the world cannot afford to ignore it," it is said in the speech.

The Head of State emphasized that Europe should also work more actively to ensure its energy independence.

"Europe must step up and make more long-term efforts to ensure real energy independence. We cannot continue to buy gas from Moscow and at the same time expect security guarantees, assistance, and support from the Americans. This is simply wrong. For example, the Prime Minister of Slovakia is not trying to gain access to American gas, but still hopes to use the American security umbrella," the President said.

The Ukrainian leader also emphasized the need for a radical change in the approach to technology companies and the development of artificial intelligence. According to him, Europe is lagging behind the United States and China in the technological race.

"Europe is often more focused on regulation than on freedom, but when smart regulation is needed, Brussels hesitates. We need to ensure that we maximize technological development in Europe and make all important decisions together — for the whole of Europe. From the production of arms to the development of technology, Europe must lead the way. Europe must become the most attractive market in the world, and this is achievable," Zelenskyy said.

Concluding his speech, the President expressed confidence that only together with Ukraine and with real guarantees of security for all, Europe will be able to remain great and strong.

"Europe must be able to guarantee peace and security for everyone — for itself and others, for those in the world who are important to Europe. Europe deserves to be strong. And for this, Europe needs the EU and NATO. Is this possible without Ukraine and a just end to the war between Russia and Ukraine? I am convinced that it is not. Only true security guarantees for us will be true security guarantees for everyone in Europe," the Head of State concluded.

As a reminder, the World Economic Forum started in Davos (Switzerland) on January 20, bringing together world leaders, businessmen, and experts to discuss the most important global issues and challenges facing the world.

On January 21, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrived in Davos. The program of the visit of the President of Ukraine includes a number of important meetings.