Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in 2024.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has questioned the US commitment to its transatlantic allies, saying President Donald Trump's decision to focus on domestic issues as his first act in office indicates he will not care about Europe's future.
“Right now, all eyes are on Washington, but who is really watching Europe at this moment?” Zelensky asked the audience of business leaders and heads of state gathered in Davos, Switzerland, during his speech on Tuesday.
Zelensky has sought to woo European officials and businessmen, warning that the region's security is at risk, as Trump showed where his priorities lie with his first executive orders, which he signed after his inauguration on Monday.
Pausing the TikTok ban imposed in the final days of his predecessor Joe Biden's administration, declaring a national border emergency and rolling back climate goals were among the orders Trump signed in his first act as the 47th president of the United States.
“Will President Trump notice Europe? Will he see NATO as necessary, and will he respect the institutions of the European Union?” he asked. Zelensky asked, noting that global relations are shifting, with Europe now concerned that the United States could abandon it in its time of need. Zelensky claimed that Washington does not share this concern.
“Does anyone in the United States fear that Europe will one day abandon them, or stop being their ally? The answer is no,” he told delegates.
He added, “Europe cannot be second or third in line with (the United States') allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe… Europe needs to compete for first place in priorities, alliances and technological development.”
The Ukrainian president said the region must prove itself as a “strong global player.”
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Zelensky's presence and speech provided Kiev with a key opportunity for Ukraine to push its case for its own peace proposals ahead of potential pressure from new President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire deal with Russia.
February marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, and war fatigue is growing amid uncertainty about future aid to Ukraine that will allow it to continue fighting Russian advances in the south and east of the country.
While Western allies have pledged continued military support for Kiev, Trump has been more ambivalent about continued US aid and previously boasted that he would end the war within 24 hours, if he became president.
Ukraine's partners in Europe have expressed concerns about the possibility of Kiev being pushed into an unfair peace agreement with Moscow that would force it to give up the territories currently occupied by Russia. Critics fear such an arrangement would allow Russia to regroup, rearm, and return later to try to annex more territory.
Zelensky warned on Tuesday that Europe could find itself frozen in any future peace negotiations over Ukraine, and that the United States could continue talks alone with Russia and China.
“At the moment, it is not clear whether Europe will have a seat at the table when the war against our country ends, and we see how much influence China has on Russia. We are very grateful to Europe for all the support it has given to our country.” But will President Trump listen to Europe or will he negotiate with Russia and China without Europe? He asked.
President Trump has already discussed the possibility of a near-term meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he established friendly relations during his first term.
By contrast, Trump expressed mixed feelings about President Zelensky. He called him “extremely honourable” and “the greatest salesman” in the past.
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at Trump Tower in New York City, US, September 27, 2024.
Shannon Stapleton | Reuters
Aware of their precarious position, Ukrainian officials have sought to cozy up to Trump since his election victory, with Zelensky and his team saying they are optimistic they can work together to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Zelensky congratulated Trump on his election victory, and commented on the social media platform X, saying that he appreciated Trump's “commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach to global affairs.”
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, Ukraine's largest energy company, told CNBC's Dan Murphy earlier Tuesday that Ukraine needs a fair peace deal, and said he believes Trump can help achieve that.
He added: “All Ukrainians want a solution like everyone else, but it is not just about a resolution, it is about justice and a just peace. It is about something that can continue for many years instead of some interruption (in the war).” In Davos.
He added: “I trust President Trump, because we have common values in our two countries and I am confident that President Trump will protect these values, and we will rebuild a new Ukraine, on these values.”
Noting the often transactional nature of Trump's foreign and trade policies, Timchenko said there may be future cooperation with the United States on energy security and eventual reconstruction of Ukraine.
