Monday, January 26, 2026

Davos Part 6: Reflections on the Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Pix credit here

 

What must it be like now to be Volodymyr Zelenskyy? What must it be like now to be Ukraine? I suspect, perhaps, like it was to be as one of the many consumable places, like Poland, in the aftermath of the  Diplomatic Revolution of 1756? Or perhaps like it was to be a fine plump roast goose at a dysfunctional family meal where the only thing that binds those at table are their hunger (and I mean that in all its senses).  President Zelenskyy offers us a reason or two and in the process holds a mirror up to all of the self satisfied and moralistic creatures (I had other terms but this one will do) at the great political herd rutting that is Davos (Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).  


In the process, the President of Ukraine reminds the rest-- with the same pathos as Haile Selassie did in his time, and as Rejtan is said to have attempted at the Partition Sejm, that morals, like interests, is a commodity the character of which is framed to suit the times and the lusts and the characteristics of those with the power to deploy them, as well as those who have no choice but to endure them. President Zelenskyy explained in terms that perhaps even the delegates their claques of commentators, amplifiers and collared intelligentsia could understand by reference to age appropriate  move analogy: 

Everyone remembers the great American film “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. But no one would want to live like that – repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and, of course, for years. And yet, that’s exactly how we live now. And it’s our life. And every forum like this one proves it. Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words: “Europe needs to know how to defend itself.” A year has passed – and nothing has changed. We are still in a situation where I must say the same words.

But why? (Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).

President Zelenskyy asks the right question.  Nonetheless, nothing in the answer satisfies; even less so when the mirror of that explanation exposes the character of morals and values that serve as sparkly baubles rather than as signifying premises that guide whatever form the fundamental political lines of the emerging great states and their blocs take. Worse, perhaps, it suggests that, whether one clings to the values of the ancien regime or embraces any of the value sets now on offer in the great bazaar of public sovereign morality, their realities are better observed in the picture of Dorian Gray than by any contemplation of physical form (or certainly anything that might ooze from their propaganda departments). The disgust, should there be cause for any, might then emerge not from the lack of morals, or their contingency, but from nearly a century of wrapping the community of states within a moral universe that, in the exists, exists only in the minds of the dead. 

Pix credit here

But President Zelenskyy cannot say that. Indeed, he needs these rutting states and might have cause for the scraps from the Davosian Satyricon in which they congratulate themselves, and are pandered into doing so with gusto by those dependent on that self referencing cycle of feel-good self-congratulation of. . . . themselves. 

Pix credit here

All of this comes through; but only in the most genteel way possible. Like Noel Coward entertaining his gentrified hosts ("The Stately Homes of England" from Operette (1938)) President Zelenskyy performs for the only thing that matters to him--the preservation of the Republic of Ukraine, or as much of it as he can preserve after its first partition in 2014 (no one really likes to dwell on this, at the height of the ancien regime and perhaps a harbinger of its collapse, if only because it was the very titans of the old order (about which nothing negative may be suggested), at least as the bards will remember them in centuries to come, did little but engage in the most delightful political performances within their Petit Trianon of their multilateral rules based palaces) of that time 

So where is all the discursive commotion?  

1. When all else fails rub one's benefactors' noses in their own hypocrisies and weaknesses. Here we have a modern rendition of Coward's "The Stately Homes of England" but as tragedy. 

Each year brings something new – for Europe and for the world. Everyone turned attention to Greenland. And it’s clear – most leaders simply are not sure what to do about it. And it seems like everyone is just waiting for America to “cool down” on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if it will not? What then?

There was so much talk about the protests in Iran – but they drowned in blood. The world has not helped the Iranian people enough. And it’s true – it has stood aside. In Europe, there were Christmas and New Year celebrations. The seasonal holidays. By the time politicians came back to work and started forming a position – the Ayatollah had already killed thousands. And what will Iran become after this bloodshed? If the regime survives, it sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people, and you stay in power. Who in Europe needs that message to become a reality?

And yet – Europe hasn’t even tried to build its own response. (Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).

The best thing of all is that for society's trained to sleep through the sermonizing of their religious leaders this feels vaguely comforting for the small tingle of guilt it may produce. And, at any case, it helps enhance the glories of the discursive performances of European leaders (see here), and produce some donations. But it also produces enough fear among some that they will be moved to action, especially those who may feel that they are next on the Russian menu (see, eg., The Presidents of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania Agreed That Their Teams Will Work to Strengthen Cooperation Within PURL and SAFE – Volodymyr Zelenskyy). 

2. At least the Americans own up to their own self-serving agendas, except when they don't. President Zelenkyy may be excused for reminding his audience, in a charming way, of their own elastic approaches to matching sentiment, and morals, to action. 

Let’s look at the Western Hemisphere. President Trump led an operation in Venezuela. And Maduro was arrested. And there were different opinions, but the fact remains: Maduro is on trial in New York. Sorry, but Putin is not on trial. And this is the fourth year of the biggest war in Europe since World War II – and the man who started it is not only free, he’s still fighting for his frozen money in Europe. And you know what? He’s having some success.(Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).

 Yet President Zelenskyy is grateful for small favors, especially when one can direct interest in money in ways that may have collaterally beneficial effect.  Aaaaahhh money remains the great motivator, even of those who value the expression of their morals in a more quantifiably certain way.  "It’s Putin who’s trying to decide how the frozen Russian assets should be used – not those who have the power to punish him for this war. Thankfully, the EU decided to freeze Russian assets indefinitely – and I am grateful for that – thanks, Ursula, thanks, António, and all the leaders who helped. But when the time came to use those assets to defend against Russian aggression, the decision was blocked. Putin managed to stop Europe. Unfortunately." (Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy). And, of course, President Zelenskyy notes that the Americans have every reason to resist the regime of the International Criminal Court, as does China. But what remains mystifying is the way that  this opposition has stymied a European approach to disciplining one of its own. The foundational issue for Europe is Europe itself; it glories in its own simulacra, one in which rhetoric has the power of action and action is magically undertaken by others. 

Some Europeans are really strong. It’s true. But many say: “We must stand strong.” And they always want someone else to tell them how long they need to stand strong. Preferably – until the next election. But that’s not how great power works, to my mind. Leaders say: “We must defend European interests.” But they hope someone else will do it for them. And speaking of values they often mean valuables. * * *And we’ve told our European partners multiple times: act now. Act now against those missiles in Belarus. Missiles are never just decoration. But Europe still remains in “Greenland mode” – maybe… someday… someone will do something." (Ibid.)

There are many reasons for this; some are quite powerful. Yet whether one takes the high road or that other to the realities of Europe today, the  end point appears to be the same. The idea of Europe remains strong; its bureaucracies remain a powerful element for weaving institutional Europe together. But Europe is also a magical place where things can happen without great inconvenience or cost. This is not just a European thing--it appears that all people everywhere, when they reach a certain level of opulence begin to believe in magic, and with it the magic of their power is dissipated in the thoughts about magical solutions. Perhaps, then, Ibn Khaldun, speaking to us from 14th century North Africa was right after all: 'assabiyah (عصبيّة) extends to four generations before it is dissipated.   

3. "A plague o'both your houses." Mercutio spoke true enough, but the reality of his situation became clear only at the moment he was crushed between the needs and desires of those who consume "middle powers" (a reference to the now well known remarks of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney).  

MERCUTIO. No, ’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, but ’tis enough, ’twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man. I am peppered, I warrant, for this world. A plague o’ both your houses. Zounds, a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cat, to scratch a man to death. A braggart, a rogue, a villain, that fights by the book of arithmetic!—Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.
ROMEO. I thought all for the best. ("Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (Act III, Scene 1)).

President Zelenskyy  spends some time working through the list that the cupidity and weaknesses of both houses make possible (at least as a function of their purported moral-normative stances).

We all see that the forces trying to destroy Europe do not waste a single day – they operate freely, even operate inside Europe. Every “Viktor” who lives off European money while trying to sell out European interests deserves a smack upside the head. And if he feels comfortable in Moscow, it doesn’t mean we should let European capitals become little Moscows.

And I thank every country, of course, and every company that helps Ukraine repair its energy system. This is crucial. Thank you to all who support the PURL program, helping us buy Patriot missiles. But wouldn’t it be cheaper and easier to just cut Russia off from the components it needs for missile production? Or even destroy the factories making them? * ** And we still have the coordinates of the factories where they’re made. Today, they target Ukraine. Tomorrow, it could be any NATO country.

Too often, people hide behind the excuse that “China helps Russia.” Yes, it does. But not only China. Russia gets components from companies in Europe, the United States, and Taiwan. Right now, many are investing in stability around Taiwan. To avoid war… But can Taiwanese companies stop contributing electronics to Russia’s war? Europe says almost nothing. America says nothing. And Putin makes missiles.

And here, in Europe, we’re advised not to mention Tomahawks to the Americans – not to spoil the mood. And we’re told not to bring up Taurus missiles. When the subject is Türkiye, diplomats say – don’t offend Greece. When it’s Greece, they say be careful with Türkiye. In Europe, there are endless internal arguments and things left unsaid that stop Europe from uniting and speaking honestly enough to find real solutions.* * * Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers. Instead of taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide, especially when America’s focus shifts elsewhere – Europe looks lost, trying to convince the U.S. President to change. But he will not change. President Trump loves who he is. And he says he loves Europe. But he will not listen to this kind of Europe. (Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).

My personal favorite is the longer story of the comical effort to confront the United States over its Greenland ambitions that President Zelenskyy relates: 

And if you send 30 or 40 soldiers to Greenland – what is that for? What message does it send? What’s the message to Putin? To China? And even more importantly, what message does it send to Denmark – the most important – your close ally? You either declare that European bases will protect the region from Russia and China – and establish those bases – or you risk not being taken seriously because 30 or 40 soldiers won’t protect anything." (Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).

Perhaps what is needed is a refreshingly honest abandonment of the old performative morality in favor of something more honest. That, perhaps, is a redeeming characteristic of America First. But I leave that to others to judge. That, however, is too painful. And that is President Zelenskyy's more subtle messaging. That Europe continues to believe that it is 1911.  If they do not align their policies to their realities the only thing that will remain will be discursive ghosts wafting around spaces filled with the eagerness of masterless intelligentsia and their civil society organs ( 浪人, ronin)--like those who floated around the globe on the dissolution of the Soviet Union until they were taken in elsewhere. Yet that applies with equal force to Russia, which in the minds of sum have been reduced, in all its majesty, as a majestic shadow manifesting American dreams of market (transactional/investment) exploitation, and Chinese dreams of resource exploitation. 

4. Sometimes your friends need a pep talk, especially if your own life depends on it.  That brings President Zelenskyy to the conclusion of his remarks, a pep talk to a Europe than may not be capable of listening, much less acting. It is a pity really. President Zelenskyy appears to understand that Europe may save itself only by saving Ukraine; that more is at stake for Europe in Ukraine than the politics of dealing with the absorption of a middling Republic by an ancient form of Empire. Yet Europe is undergoing its own Austro-Hungarian moment, when its parts would explode its solidarity and in fracture make them all easier to consume. Perhaps that might be the fate of Europe--the final resting point for a process of disintegration that began in the 19th century and acquired a tremendous momentum from 1914. But is it inevitable; President Zelenskyy believes otherwise as to do others. 

We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles – not when we have a chance to be a great power together. We should not accept that Europe is just a "salad" of small and middle powers, seasoned with enemies of Europe. When united, we are truly invincible. And Europe can and must be a global force. Not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future. * * *  And Europe must be strong. And Ukraine is ready to help – with anything needed to guarantee peace and prevent destruction. We are ready to help others become stronger than they are now. We are ready to be part of a Europe that truly matters – a Europe of real power – great power. Today, we need that power to protect our own independence. But you need Ukraine’s independence, too, because tomorrow, you may have to defend your way of life.(Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy).

The Americans and the Chinese have each made their choices; they will have to live with them. Each will change them in substantial ways. Europe, President Zelenskyy argues, must also choose, or in not choosing, disintegrate.   

 

Pix credit here, Painting, Jan Matejko, Rejtan at the Partition Sejm (The Fall of Poland) (1866)

The Davos speeches considered for 2026 include the following:

1. Davos 2026 Part 1--Remarks of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

2. Davos 2026 Part 2--Remarks of U.S. President Donald Trump

3. Davos 2026 Part 3--Remarks of  China's Vice Premier He Lifeng

4. Davos 2026 Part 4-- Remarks of EU President Ursula von der Leyen

5. Davos 2026 Part 5-- Remarks of Argentina President Javier Milei

6. Davos 2026 Part 6--Address by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy



 

Address by the President to the Participants of the Special Session of the World Economic Forum

22 January 2026 - 21:29

Address by the President to the Participants of the Special Session of the World Economic Forum

Thank you very much!

Dear friends,

Everyone remembers the great American film “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. But no one would want to live like that – repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and, of course, for years. And yet, that’s exactly how we live now. And it’s our life. And every forum like this one proves it. Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words: “Europe needs to know how to defend itself.” A year has passed – and nothing has changed. We are still in a situation where I must say the same words.

But why?

The answer is not just about the threats that exist or may appear. Each year brings something new – for Europe and for the world.

Everyone turned attention to Greenland. And it’s clear – most leaders simply are not sure what to do about it. And it seems like everyone is just waiting for America to “cool down” on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if it will not? What then?

There was so much talk about the protests in Iran – but they drowned in blood. The world has not helped the Iranian people enough. And it’s true – it has stood aside. In Europe, there were Christmas and New Year celebrations. The seasonal holidays. By the time politicians came back to work and started forming a position – the Ayatollah had already killed thousands.

And what will Iran become after this bloodshed? If the regime survives, it sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people, and you stay in power. Who in Europe needs that message to become a reality?

And yet – Europe hasn’t even tried to build its own response.

Let’s look at the Western Hemisphere. President Trump led an operation in Venezuela. And Maduro was arrested. And there were different opinions, but the fact remains: Maduro is on trial in New York.

Sorry, but Putin is not on trial. And this is the fourth year of the biggest war in Europe since World War II – and the man who started it is not only free, he’s still fighting for his frozen money in Europe. And you know what? He’s having some success. It’s true. It’s Putin who’s trying to decide how the frozen Russian assets should be used – not those who have the power to punish him for this war. Thankfully, the EU decided to freeze Russian assets indefinitely – and I am grateful for that – thanks, Ursula, thanks, António, and all the leaders who helped. But when the time came to use those assets to defend against Russian aggression, the decision was blocked. Putin managed to stop Europe. Unfortunately.

Next point. Because of America's position, people are now avoiding the topic of the International Criminal Court. And that’s understandable – it’s American historical position. But at the same time, there’s still no real progress on establishing a Special Tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine, against the Ukrainian people. And we have an agreement – it’s true. Many meetings have taken place. But still, Europe hasn’t reached even the point of having a home for the Tribunal – with staff and actual work happening inside. What’s missing – time or political will? Too often in Europe, something else is always more urgent than justice.

Right now, we are working actively with partners on security guarantees, and I am grateful for that. But those are for after the war ends. Once the ceasefire begins, there will be contingents and joint patrols, and partner flags on Ukrainian soil. And that is a very good step, and a right signal, that the UK and France are ready to actually commit their forces on the ground – and there is already a first agreement on that. Thank you, Keir, thanks, Emmanuel, and all the leaders in our Coalition. And we are doing everything to make sure that our Coalition of the Willing truly becomes a Coalition of Action. And again – everyone is very positive, but – always but – but the backstop of President Trump is needed. And again – no security guarantees work without the U.S.

But what about the ceasefire itself? Who can help make it happen? Europe loves to discuss the future but avoids taking action today – action that defines what kind of future we will have. That is the problem. Why can President Trump stop tankers from the shadow fleet and seize oil – but Europe doesn’t? Russian oil is being transported right along European shores. That oil funds the war against Ukraine. That oil helps destabilize Europe. So Russian oil must be stopped and confiscated and sold for Europe’s benefit. Why not?

If Putin has no money, there’s no war for Europe. If Europe has money, then it can protect its people. Right now, those tankers are making money for Putin, and that means, that means Russia continues to push its sick agenda.

Next point. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it again: Europe needs united armed forces – forces that can truly defend Europe. Today, Europe relies only on the belief that if danger comes, NATO will act. But no one has really seen the Alliance in action. If Putin decides to take Lithuania or strike Poland, who will respond? Who will respond?

Right now, NATO exists thanks to belief – belief that the United States will act, that it will not stand aside, and will help. But what if it doesn’t?

Believe me, this question is… It’s everywhere, in the minds of every European leader. And some try to get closer to President Trump. It’s true. Some wait – hoping the problem will disappear. Some have started acting – investing in weapons production, and et cetera, building partnerships, getting public support for higher defense spending…

But let’s remember: until America pressured Europe to spend more on defense, most countries were not even trying to reach 5% of GDP – the minimum needed to ensure security. Europe needs to know how to defend itself.

And if you send 30 or 40 soldiers to Greenland – what is that for? What message does it send? What’s the message to Putin? To China? And even more importantly, what message does it send to Denmark – the most important – your close ally?

You either declare that European bases will protect the region from Russia and China – and establish those bases – or you risk not being taken seriously because 30 or 40 soldiers won’t protect anything.

And we know what to do. If Russian warships are sailing freely around Greenland, Ukraine can help – we have the expertise and weapons to ensure not one of those ships remains. They can sink near Greenland just as they do near Crimea. No problem – we have the tools, and we have people. For us, the sea is not the first line of defense, so we can take actions, and we know how to fight there. If we were asked, and if Ukraine were in NATO – but we are not – we would solve this problem with the Russian ships.

As for Iran, everyone is waiting to see what America will do. And the world offers nothing; Europe offers nothing and does not want to enter this issue as a supporter of the Iranian people and the democracy they need.

But when you refuse to help a people fighting for freedom, the consequences return – and they’re always negative. Belarus in 2020 is an example. No one helped their people. And now, Russian “Oreshnik” missiles are deployed in Belarus – within range of most European capitals. That would not have happened if the Belarusian people had won in 2020.

And we’ve told our European partners multiple times: act now. Act now against those missiles in Belarus. Missiles are never just decoration. But Europe still remains in “Greenland mode” – maybe… someday… someone will do something.

The issue of Russian oil is the same. It’s good that many sanctions exist. Russian oil is getting cheaper. But the flow has not stopped. And Russian companies that fund Putin’s war machine are still working. And that will not change without more sanctions. And we’re grateful for all the pressure put on the aggressor. But let’s be honest – Europe must do more, so its sanctions block enemies as effectively as American sanctions. Why is that important? Because if Europe is not seen as a global force, if its actions don’t scare bad actors, then Europe will always be reacting – catching up with new dangers and attacks.

We all see that the forces trying to destroy Europe do not waste a single day – they operate freely, even operate inside Europe.

Every “Viktor” who lives off European money while trying to sell out European interests deserves a smack upside the head. And if he feels comfortable in Moscow, it doesn’t mean we should let European capitals become little Moscows. We must remember what separates Russia from all of us. The most fundamental line of conflict between Russia and Ukraine and all of Europe is this: Russia fights to devalue people, to make sure that when dictators want to destroy someone – they can. But they must lose power, not gain it.

For example, Russia’s missiles are produced only because there are ways to bypass sanctions. It’s true. Everyone sees how Russia tries to freeze Ukrainians now, our people, Ukrainians, to death at –20°C. But Russia couldn’t build any ballistic or cruise missiles without critical components from other countries. And it’s not just China. Too often, people hide behind the excuse that “China helps Russia.” Yes, it does. But not only China. Russia gets components from companies in Europe, the United States, and Taiwan.

Right now, many are investing in stability around Taiwan. To avoid war… But can Taiwanese companies stop contributing electronics to Russia’s war? Europe says almost nothing. America says nothing. And Putin makes missiles.

And I thank every country, of course, and every company that helps Ukraine repair its energy system. This is crucial. Thank you to all who support the PURL program, helping us buy Patriot missiles. But wouldn’t it be cheaper and easier to just cut Russia off from the components it needs for missile production? Or even destroy the factories making them?

Last year, most of the time was spent talking about long-range weapons for Ukraine. And everybody said that the solution was within range. Now, no one is even talking about it. But Russian missiles and “shaheds” are still here. And we still have the coordinates of the factories where they’re made. Today, they target Ukraine. Tomorrow, it could be any NATO country.

And here, in Europe, we’re advised not to mention Tomahawks to the Americans – not to spoil the mood. And we’re told not to bring up Taurus missiles. When the subject is Türkiye, diplomats say – don’t offend Greece. When it’s Greece, they say be careful with Türkiye.

In Europe, there are endless internal arguments and things left unsaid that stop Europe from uniting and speaking honestly enough to find real solutions. And too often, Europeans turn against each other – leaders, parties, movements, and communities – instead of standing together to stop Russia, which brings the same destruction to everyone. Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers. Instead of taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide, especially when America’s focus shifts elsewhere – Europe looks lost, trying to convince the U.S. President to change. But he will not change.

President Trump loves who he is. And he says he loves Europe. But he will not listen to this kind of Europe.

One of the biggest problems in today’s Europe – though it’s not often talked about – is the mindset. Some European leaders are from Europe, but not always for Europe. And Europe still feels more like a geography, a history, a tradition – not a real political force, not a great power.

Some Europeans are really strong. It’s true. But many say: “We must stand strong.” And they always want someone else to tell them how long they need to stand strong. Preferably – until the next election. But that’s not how great power works, to my mind. Leaders say: “We must defend European interests.” But they hope someone else will do it for them. And speaking of values they often mean valuables.

They are all like: “We need something to replace the old world order with.” But where is the line of leaders who are ready to act – act now on land, in the air, and at sea – to build a new global order? You can’t build the new world order out of words. Only actions create real order.

Today, America has launched the Board of Peace. Ukraine was invited. So was Russia, Belarus – though the war hasn’t stopped. And there is not even a ceasefire. And you’ve seen who joined. Everyone had their reasons. But here’s the thing: Europe hasn’t even formed a united position on the American idea.

Maybe tonight, when the European Council meets, they will decide something. But the documents were already signed this morning. And tonight they might also finally decide something on Greenland. But last night, Mark Rutte had spoken to President Trump – thank you, Mark, for your productiveness. America is already changing its position – but nobody knows exactly how.

So things move faster than us, things move faster than Europe. And how can Europe keep up?

Dear friends, 

We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles – not when we have a chance to be a great power together. We should not accept that Europe is just a "salad" of small and middle powers, seasoned with enemies of Europe. When united, we are truly invincible. And Europe can and must be a global force. Not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.

That would help everyone – from the Middle East to every other region in the world. That would help Europe itself because the challenges we face now are challenges to the European way of life, where people matter, where nations matter.

Europe can help build a better world. Europe must build a better world. And a world without war, of course.

But for that, Europe needs strength. For that, we must act together – and act in time. And most of all – we must have the courage to act.

And we are actively working to reach solutions. Real solutions. Today we met with President Trump – and our teams are working almost every day. It’s not simple. The documents aimed at ending this war are nearly ready. And that really matters. Ukraine is working with full honesty and determination. And that brings results. And Russia must become ready too, to finish this war, to stop this aggression – Russian aggression, Russian war against us. So the pressure must be strong enough. And the support for Ukraine must grow even stronger.

Our previous meetings with the President of the United States brought us air defense missiles. And thanks, Europeans. They helped also. And today, we also spoke about protecting the skies – which means protecting lives, of course. And I hope America will continue to stand with us.

And Europe must be strong. And Ukraine is ready to help – with anything needed to guarantee peace and prevent destruction. We are ready to help others become stronger than they are now. We are ready to be part of a Europe that truly matters – a Europe of real power – great power.

Today, we need that power to protect our own independence. But you need Ukraine’s independence, too, because tomorrow, you may have to defend your way of life. And when Ukraine is with you, no one will wipe their feet on you. And you will always have a way to act – and act in time. This is very important – act in time.

Dear friends,

Today is one of the last days of Davos – though definitely not the last Davos, of course. And everyone agrees on that. Many people believe that, somehow, things will work out on their own. But we cannot rely on “somehow.” For real security, faith is not enough – faith in a partner, in a lucky turn of events.

No intellectual discussions are capable of stopping wars. We need action. World order comes from action. And we just need the courage to act. Without action now, there is no tomorrow. Let’s end this “Groundhog Day.” And yes – it is possible. 

Thank you.

Glory to Ukraine!

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