Kyiv, Ukraine – In a striking sign that the war in Ukraine is nearing its end, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the European Union,
expressing his declining confidence in its ability to make decisive political decisions.
He also indicated a clear openness to working more closely with the United States and President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the Davos Economic Forum, Zelenskyy said that Europe “seems more like a geography, a history,
and traditions than a real political force.”
Raising sensitive issues
He asserted that it is not a superpower and suffers from divisions that weaken
its ability to influence the course of the war or pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian president added that European leaders are advising Kyiv not to raise sensitive issues like Tomahawk missiles with the Americans and not to “spoil the atmosphere.”
He believes this behavior reflects a state of confusion and disarray
within Europe and ineffective attempts to persuade Trump to change his positions.
He said, “Trump loves himself as he is and says he loves Europe, but he will not listen to a fragmented Europe that looks like small and medium-sized pieces.”
Zelensky warned against allowing “Europe’s enemies” to interfere in European sovereign decision-making,
stressing that the continent must not accept being merely a small or medium-sized power.
global power
He emphasized that unity is the only way for Europe to become a global power capable of shaping the future, rather than simply reacting to events.
Meanwhile, Zelensky described his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos
as “very good and productive,” announcing his proposal to hold trilateral talks
between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv in the UAE this week, as part of efforts to accelerate a political settlement.
For his part, Trump said before his meeting with Zelensky that Russia and Ukraine
were close to reaching an agreement, stressing the need to finalize it quickly.
He added, “Everyone wants to end the war, and not reaching an agreement would be a disgrace.”
The statements from both sides reinforced the impression
that a new phase of negotiations may be imminent, amidst clear shifts in the positions of international players.
