Zelenskyy warns Europe: Battles involving North Korean soldiers are closer to Davos than to Pyongyang
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
The battles in which DPRK soldiers participate are geographically closer to Davos than to Pyongyang. Europe needs to act as a strong global player, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
US does not expect much from Europe
Zelenskyy reminded that the United States is an irreplaceable ally of Europe. All countries are concerned about the alliance with the United States, especially in times of war.
“But does anyone in the United States worry that Europe might abandon them someday - might stop being their ally? The answer is no. Washington does not believe that Europe can bring them something that is really substantial,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that last year, the United States openly stated that its first security priority was the Indo-Pacific region, the second was the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, and only the third was Europe. This was true even during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Europe can't afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe and that's a world that will not be comfortable or beneficial for all Europeans. Europe needs to compete for the top spot in priorities, alliances, and technological development,” Zelenskyy said.
Proximity of war
The president also says that the world is now at a turning point. And now Europe needs to become a strong global player, an indispensable player.
“Let's not forget there is no ocean separating European countries from Russia. And European leaders should remember this - battles involving North Korean soldiers are now happening in places geographically closer to Davos than to Pyongyang,” Zelenskyy said.
Even though Russia's overall economic potential is much smaller than Europe's, Russia produces several times more ammunition and military equipment than all European countries combined, Zelenskyy added.
Europe's assistance to Ukraine
The United States is Ukraine's main ally, as it has provided the largest amount of weapons to the Ukrainian army since the beginning of the war. But now that Donald Trump has become president of the United States, the amount of support may be reduced.
EU diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized that if the United States does not want to show leadership in helping Ukraine, the EU countries will do so.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, assured that the EU would continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary.
