In a provocative address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized European leaders for their passive approach to potential threats, specifically regarding Russia’s intentions in Greenland. He went on to imply that if it comes to a fight, Ukraine will be right at the front lines in defense of Europe’s values and freedom. He underlined the need for Europe to escape from its “Greenland mode” and fight for itself.
Zelenskyy’s comments came against the backdrop of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demands concerning Greenland. Trump envisions the United States having access to the territory for “always” or “forever.” He views this as an essential element of his larger geopolitical strategy. This demand has completely taken aback many European leaders. They say it undermines the success of the continued war between Russia and Ukraine.
During his address, Zelenskyy made the case that Europe is relying too heavily on NATO’s possible response to Russian aggression. Marshall thinks this reliance is not enough. He challenged the efficacy of this misplaced dependence. “This very day, Europe is counting on NATO to respond if threat arrives,” he stated. Hardly anyone has seen the alliance at work. Zelenskyy pointed out that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to target Baltic states like Lithuania or Poland, the response remains uncertain.
Zelenskyy’s strong rhetoric underscored his frustration with what he perceives as Europe’s complacency. “Europe remains in Greenland mode: maybe someone somewhere will do something,” he remarked. He emphasized that European leaders need to act and be bold themselves, not wait until the market or someone else forces their hand.
Yet the Ukrainian leader didn’t stop there, proposing that Ukraine could help Europe in facing down Russian threats close to Greenland. “We know what to do if Russian warships go near Greenland. Ukraine can help with that,” he asserted, implying that Ukraine has the capability to disrupt Russian naval operations, akin to its actions in Crimea.
In addition to these sharp comments, Zelenskyy responded directly to the peace initiatives put forward by Trump on the global Davos stage. Trump unveiled an initiative dubbed the “board of peace,” which aims to negotiate peace processes in Gaza while inviting Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus to participate. Zelenskyy met with Trump to discuss stalled negotiations regarding a peace deal to conclude Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In this light, Trump’s decision to send his top real estate envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow makes sense. He wanted to sit down with Putin to restart the peace talks. Witkoff indicated optimism about narrowing down issues related to the conflict, stating, “I think we’ve got it down to one issue and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it’s solvable.”
Zelenskyy is wary of allowing Belarus to take part in any peace negotiations given its close ties with Russia. He conveyed the idea that Ukraine’s role as an enemy of Russia makes it imperative for them to differentiate themselves in these negotiations. For us, it’s hard to fathom that we will still be on this board when the war will finally end. At least for the time being, we are adversaries [with the Russians]. Belarus is an ally of the Russians. We can’t be with them,” he explained.
European leaders and pundits have mixed interpretations of Trump’s Greenland tale. Polish leader Donald Tusk argues that an obsessive focus on Greenland prevents us from addressing the real and immediate threat posed by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. He contends this diversion is unwarranted. Zelenskyy admitted the merit of this view, but argued that Europe could not afford to overlook the larger message in America’s demands.
“A year has passed, and nothing has changed,” he lamented, referencing his previous calls for European self-defense capabilities made last year at Davos. He challenged leaders to do more than talk and fundamentally do what’s necessary to improve their deterrent posture.
Zelenskyy ended his address by stressing the need for diplomacy internationally, while demanding more pressure placed upon Russia. “Russia has to be ready for compromises … not just Ukraine,” he asserted, emphasizing that a peaceful resolution requires commitment from all parties involved.