In a stirring address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shaken Europe to its core, calling the continent a “salad” of small and middle powers and demanding that it live up to its global potential.
Zelensky, who has been leading his country’s fierce resistance against the Russian invasion, did not mince words in his scathing attack on world leaders. He reminded the European audience of just how little they have done to support Ukraine, highlighting their failure to present a united front on crucial issues such as the crisis in Iran and the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.
“Dear friends, we should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles, not when we have a chance to be a great power together,” Zelensky thundered. “We should not accept that Europe is just a salad of small and middle powers, seasoned with enemies of Europe.”
The Ukrainian president’s passionate speech came as his country approaches the fifth anniversary of Putin’s full-scale invasion, but the 12th year of its defence against Russia. He made it clear that Ukraine has been fighting not just for its own survival, but for the values and freedom that Europe claims to uphold.
Zelensky’s criticism of Europe’s perceived spinelessness was not without merit. He pointed out how the United States, under the leadership of former President Trump, was quick to take action in Venezuela, while Europe remained largely passive. In contrast, he lamented, Putin has not been held to the same standard, with the Russian leader still evading trial for the “biggest war in Europe since World War II.”
The Ukrainian leader’s words were a wake-up call for Europe, urging it to stop turning against itself and instead stand united in the face of Russian aggression. He argued that Europe has the potential to be a “truly global power,” but it must shed its fragmented identity and embrace its own strength.
“Some European leaders are from Europe, but not always for Europe,” Zelensky observed. “And Europe still feels more like geography, history, a tradition, not a real political force, not a great power.”
Zelensky’s impassioned plea for European unity and leadership was echoed by other prominent figures at the Davos forum, including Canada’s Prime Minister and the President of Finland. The consensus seems to be that the time has come for Europe to step up and assert its influence on the world stage, rather than relying on others to defend its interests.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, Zelensky’s message to Europe is clear: it’s time to stop being a “salad” and become a true global power, willing to stand up for its values and the freedom of its allies.
