- 21 hours ago
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stressing that global stability depends on decisive action, not passive diplomacy. Warning of rising threats, he urged nations to act with courage now to defend international order.
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00:00Dear friends, everyone remembers the great American film Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Andy McDowell.
00:13Yes, but no one would want to live like that.
00:18Repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and of course for years.
00:24And yet, that's exactly how we live now.
00:30And it's our life.
00:33And every forum like this one proves it.
00:38Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words,
00:44Europe needs to know how to defend itself.
00:49A year has passed, and nothing has changed.
00:55We are still in a situation where I must say the same words, but why?
01:03The answer is not just about the threats that exist or may appear.
01:09India, each year brings something new for Europe and for the world.
01:15Everyone turned attention to Greenland.
01:21And it's clear, most leaders simply are not sure what to do about it.
01:27And it seems like everyone is just waiting for America to cool down.
01:33On this topic, hoping it will pass away.
01:36But what if will not?
01:39What then?
01:41There was so much talk about the protests in Iran.
01:46But they drowned in blood.
01:50The world has not helped enough the Iranian people and its storm.
01:56It has stood aside.
01:58In Europe, there was Christmas and New Year celebrations.
02:04The seasonal holidays.
02:06By the time politicians came back to work and started forming a position,
02:11the Ayatollah has already killed thousands.
02:17And what will Iran become after this bloodshed?
02:22If the regime survives, it sends a clear signal to every bully.
02:27Kill enough people and you stay in power.
02:31Who in Europe needs that message to become a reality?
02:37And yet Europe hasn't even tried to build its own response.
02:42Let's look at the Western Hemisphere.
02:46President Trump led an operation in Venezuela and Maduro was arrested.
02:52And there were different opinions about it.
02:55But the fact remains Maduro is on trial in New York.
03:00Sorry, but Putin is not on trial.
03:03And this is the fourth year of the biggest war in Europe since World War II.
03:09And the man who started it is not only free.
03:13He is still fighting for his frozen money in Europe.
03:17And you know what?
03:19He is having some success.
03:21It's true.
03:22It's Putin who is trying to decide how the frozen Russian assets should be used.
03:28Not those who have the power to punish him for this war.
03:32Thankfully, the EU decided to freeze Russian assets indefinitely.
03:38And I'm grateful for that.
03:39Thanks, Ursula.
03:40Thanks, Antonio.
03:41And all the leaders who helped.
03:43But when the time came to use those assets to defend against Russian aggression, the decision was blocked.
03:53Putin managed to stop Europe, unfortunately.
04:00Next point.
04:02Because of the America's position, people are now avoiding the topic of the International Criminal Court.
04:09And that's understandable.
04:11It's American historical position.
04:14But at the same time, there is still no real progress on establishing a special tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine.
04:24Against the Ukrainian people.
04:26And we have an agreement.
04:27It's true.
04:28Many meetings have taken place.
04:31But still, Europe hasn't reached even the point of having a home for the tribunal with staff and actual work happening inside.
04:42What's missing time or political will?
04:47Too often in Europe, something else is always more urgent than justice.
04:53Right now, we are working actively with partners on security guarantees.
04:58And I'm grateful for that.
05:00But those are for after the war ends.
05:06Once the ceasefire begins, there will be contingents and joint patrols and partner flags on Ukrainian soil.
05:15And that is a very good step.
05:18And the right signal that UK and France are ready to actually commit their forces on the ground.
05:25And there is already a first agreement on that.
05:28Thank you, Kier.
05:29Thanks, Emmanuel.
05:30And all the leaders in our coalition.
05:33And we are doing everything to make sure that our coalition of the Willings truly becomes a coalition of action.
05:41And again, everyone is very positive, but, always but, but the backstop of President Trump is needed.
05:50And again, no security guarantees work without the US.
05:56But what about the ceasefire itself?
06:00Who can help make it happen?
06:03Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today.
06:09Action that defines what kind of future we will have.
06:13That is the problem.
06:15Why can President Trump stop tankers from the shadow fleet and seize oil, but Europe doesn't?
06:23Russian oil is being transported right along European shores.
06:28That oil funds the war against Ukraine.
06:32That oil helps destabilize Europe.
06:35So Russian oil must be stopped and confiscated and sold for Europe's benefit.
06:42Why not?
06:44If Putin has no money, there is no war for Europe.
06:49If Europe has money, then it can protect its people.
06:54Right now, those tankers are making money for Putin.
06:58And that means Russia continues to push its SIC agenda.
07:03Next point.
07:05I've said it before, and I'll repeat it again.
07:09Europe needs united armed forces, forces that can truly defend Europe.
07:15Today, Europe relies only on the belief that if danger comes, NATO will act.
07:23But no one has really seen the alliance in action.
07:28If Putin decides to take Lithuania or strike Poland, who will respond?
07:35Who will respond?
07:37Right now, NATO exists thanks to believe.
07:41Believe that the United States will act, that it will not stand aside and will help.
07:48But what if it doesn't?
07:53Believe me, this question is everywhere in the minds of every European leader.
08:01And some try to get closer to President Trump.
08:03It's true.
08:05Some wait, hoping the problem will disappear.
08:09Some have started acting, investing in weapons production and et cetera, building partnerships,
08:15getting public support for higher defense spending.
08:18But let's remember, until America pressured Europe to spend more on defense,
08:25most countries were not even trying to reach 5% of GDP, the minimum needed to ensure security.
08:32Europe needs to know how to defend itself.
08:38And if you send 40 or 40 soldiers to Greenland, what is that for?
08:51What message does it send?
08:55What's the message to Putin to China?
09:00And even more importantly, what message does it send to Denmark?
09:06The most important, your close ally.
09:11You either declare that European bases will protect the region from Russia and China,
09:16and establish those bases or you risk not being taken seriously because 40 or 40 soldiers will not protect anything.
09:26And we know what to do.
09:28If Russian warships are sailing freely around Greenland, Ukraine can help.
09:34We have the expertise and weapons to ensure not one of those ships remains.
09:42They can sink near Greenland just as they do near Crimea.
09:47No problem.
09:48We have the tools and we have people.
09:51For us the sea is not the first line of defense.
09:54So we can take actions and we know how to fight there if we were asked and if Ukraine were in NATO.
10:03But we are not.
10:06We will solve this problem with the Russian ships.
10:11As for Iran, everyone is waiting to see what America will do.
10:17And the world offers nothing, Europe offers nothing,
10:20and does not want to enter this issue as a supporter of the Iranian people and the democracy they need.
10:28But when you refuse to help the people fighting for freedom, the consequences return.
10:34And they are always negative.
10:36Belarus in 2020 is the example.
10:41No one helped their people.
10:43And now Russian or ethnic missiles are deployed in Belarus within range of most European capitals.
10:54That would not have happened if the Belarusian people had won in 2020.
11:00And we have told our European partners multiple times act now.
11:06Act now against those missiles in Belarus.
11:09Missiles are never just decoration.
11:12But Europe still remains in Greenland mode.
11:17Maybe someday someone will do something.
11:24The issue of Russian oil is the same.
11:27It's good that many sanctions exist.
11:30Russian oil is getting cheaper.
11:32But the flow has not stopped.
11:36And Russian companies that fund Putin's war machine are still working.
11:41And that will not change without more sanctions.
11:47And we are grateful for all the pressure put on the aggressor.
11:51But let's be honest.
11:53Europe must do more.
11:55So its sanctions block enemies as effectively as American sanctions.
12:00Why is that important?
12:01Because if Europe is not seen as a global force.
12:05If its actions don't scare bad actors.
12:09Then Europe will always be reacting.
12:12Catching up with new dangers and attacks.
12:16We all see that the forces trying to destroy Europe.
12:22Do not face a single day.
12:25They operate freely.
12:26Even operate inside Europe.
12:30Every victor.
12:32Who leaves off European money while trying to sell out European interests.
12:37Deserves a smack upside the head.
12:43And if he feels comfortable in Moscow.
12:46It doesn't mean we should let European capitals become little Moscoves.
12:50We must remember what separates Russia from all of us.
12:55The most fundamental line of conflict between Russia and Ukraine and all of Europe is this.
13:03Russia fights to devalue people.
13:07To make sure that when dictators want to destroy someone they can.
13:12But they must lose power.
13:15Not gain it.
13:17For example, Russia's missiles are produced only because there are ways to bypass sanctions.
13:25It's true.
13:27Everyone sees how Russia tries to freeze Ukrainians.
13:31Now, our people.
13:33Ukraine is to death at minus 20 degrees Celsius.
13:38But Russia couldn't build any ballistic or cruise missiles without critical components from other countries.
13:47And it's not just China.
13:50Too often people hide behind the excuse that China helps Russia.
13:55Yes, it does.
13:57But not only China.
14:00Russia gets components from companies in Europe, the United States and Taiwan.
14:09Taiwan.
14:10Right now, many are investing in stability around Taiwan.
14:15To avoid war.
14:16But can Taiwanese companies stop contributing electronics to Russia's war?
14:22Europe says almost nothing.
14:25America says nothing.
14:27And Putin makes missiles.
14:30And I thank every country, of course, and every company that helps Ukraine repair its energy system.
14:38This is crucial.
14:39Thank you to all who support the Pearl program helping us buy Patriot missiles.
14:45But wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just cut Russia off from the components it needs for missiles production?
14:56Or even destroy the factories making them.
15:00Last year, most of the time was spent talking about long-range weapons for Ukraine.
15:09And everybody said that the solution was within range.
15:16Now, no one is even talking about it.
15:21But Russian missiles and shahis are still here.
15:25And we still have the coordinates of the factories where there are meat.
15:30Today, they target Ukraine.
15:33Tomorrow, it could be any native country.
15:36And here, in Europe, we are advised not to mention tomahawks.
15:44To the Americans.
15:49Not to spoil the mood.
15:54Anyway, I told not to bring up Taurus missiles.
15:59When the subject is Turkey, diplomats say, don't offend Greece.
16:05When it's Greece, they say, be careful with Turkey.
16:09In Europe, there are endless internal arguments and things left unsaid that stop Europe from uniting and speaking honestly enough to find real solutions.
16:22And 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.
16:36Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers.
16:47Instead of taking the lead in defending freedom worldwide, especially when America's focus shifts elsewhere, Europe looks lost trying to convince the US president to change.
17:03But he will not change.
17:06President Trump loves who he is.
17:10And he says he loves Europe, but he will not listen to this kind of Europe.
17:16One of the biggest problems in today's Europe, though it's not often talked about in the mindset.
17:27Some European leaders are from Europe, but not always for Europe.
17:33And Europe still feels more like geography, history, a tradition, not real political force, not a great power.
17:42Some Europeans are really strong.
17:45It's true.
17:46But many say we must stand strong and they always want someone else to tell them how long they need to stand strong.
17:55Preferably until the next election.
18:02But that's not how great power works, to my mind.
18:06Leaders say we must defend European interests, but they hope someone else will do it for them.
18:12And speaking of values, they often mean valuables.
18:16They are all like we need something to replace the old world order with.
18:24But where is the line of leaders who are ready to act?
18:28Act now, on land, in the air, at the sea, to build a new global order.
18:35You can't build a new world order out of words.
18:39Only actions create real order.
18:42Today, America has launched the Board of Peace.
18:46Ukraine was invited.
18:48So was Russia, Belarus, though the war hasn't stopped.
18:54And there is not even a ceasefire.
18:58I have seen who joined.
19:01Everyone had their reasons.
19:04But here is the thing.
19:07Europe hasn't even formed a united position on the American idea.
19:14Maybe tonight, when the European Council meets, they will decide something.
19:20But the documents were already signed this morning.
19:23And tonight, they might also finally decide something on Greenland.
19:27But last night, Mark Ruder had spoken to President Trump.
19:31Thank you, Mark, for your productiveness.
19:34America is already changing its position.
19:37But nobody knows exactly how.
19:40So things move faster than we.
19:43Things move faster than Europe.
19:46And how can Europe keep up?
19:48Dear friends, we should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles.
19:54Not when we have a chance to be a great power together.
19:58We should not accept that Europe is just a salad of small and middle powers seasoned with enemies of Europe.
20:06When united we are truly invincible.
20:11And Europe can and must be a global force.
20:15Not one that reacts late, but one that defines the future.
20:21That would help everyone from the Middle East to every other region in the world.
20:28That would help Europe itself.
20:30Because the challenges we face now are challenges to the European way of life.
20:36Where people matter.
20:38Where nations matter.
20:40Europe can help build a better world.
20:44Europe must build a better world.
20:48And a world without war.
20:51Of course.
20:52But for that Europe needs strength.
20:56For that we must act together.
20:59And act in time.
21:00And most of all we must have the courage to act.
21:03And we are actively working to reach solutions.
21:06Real solutions.
21:07Today we met with President Trump.
21:10And our teams are working almost every day.
21:13It's not simple.
21:16The documents aimed at ending this war are nearly, nearly ready.
21:22And that really matters.
21:25Ukraine is working with full honesty and determination.
21:29And that brings results.
21:31And Russia must become ready too.
21:33To finish this war.
21:35To stop this aggression.
21:37Russian aggression.
21:38Russian war against us.
21:40So the pressure must be strong enough.
21:43And the support for Ukraine must grow even stronger.
21:47Our previous meetings with President of the United States brought us air defense missiles.
21:53And thanks Europeans.
21:55They have also.
21:56And today we also spoke about protecting the skies.
22:00Which means protecting lives, of course.
22:03And I hope America will continue to stand with us.
22:07And Europe must be strong.
22:12And Ukraine is ready to help with anything needed to guarantee peace and prevent destruction.
22:19We are ready to help others become stronger than they are now.
22:23And we are ready to be part of a Europe that truly matters.
22:28A Europe of real power.
22:30Great power.
22:32Today we need that power to protect our own independence.
22:38But you need Ukraine's independence too.
22:41Because tomorrow you may have to defend your way of life.
22:46And when Ukraine is with you, no one will wipe their feet on you.
22:53And you will always have a way to act.
22:55And act in time.
22:58This is very important.
23:00Act in time.
23:01Dear friends, today is one of the last days of Davos.
23:06Though definitely not the last Davos, of course.
23:09And everyone agrees on that.
23:13And many people believe that somehow things will work out on their own.
23:19But we cannot rely on somehow for real security.
23:25Faith is not enough.
23:28Faith in a partner, in a lucky turn of events.
23:34No intellectual discussions are capable of stopping wars.
23:41We need action.
23:43World order comes from action.
23:46And we just need the courage to act.
23:49Without action now, there is no, there is no, there is no tomorrow.
23:54Let's end this Groundhog Day.
23:59And yes, it's possible.
24:02Slava Ukraine.
24:03Nice.
24:04Nice.
24:05Thanks.
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