Perhaps Zelensky understands Europe better than we thought

By Easton Martin | January 23, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos to sharply rebuke European leaders for what he described as timidity and failure to act decisively against Russian aggression. 

Speaking shortly after an hourlong meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky argued that Europe remains too risk-averse and dependent on Washington for its security posture, warning that this lack of resolve emboldens adversaries and weakens collective defense. 

Zelensky said a year has passed since he last urged Europe to develop its own military and strategic strength, yet “nothing has changed,” likening the situation to the repetitive cycle in the film Groundhog Day. He called on European nations to take bolder action, including using frozen Russian assets and seizing tankers, similar to measures the U.S. has taken in other geopolitical contexts. 

It is hard to ignore the underlying truth in Zelensky’s critique. Europe’s response to the war has been heavy on statements and slow on decisive action, reinforcing the perception that real security leadership still rests in Washington. 

While European leaders debate process and consensus, the strategic reality on the ground continues to shift. By contrast, President Trump’s approach is defined by clarity of objectives and a willingness to use leverage to force outcomes.