Ukraine’s Zelensky questions the commitment of the United States to the future of Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has questioned the U.S. commitment to its transatlantic allies, saying President Donald Trump’s decision to focus on domestic issues as his first act in office shows he will not be concerned about Europe’s future.

“All eyes are now on Washington, but who is really watching Europe at the moment?” Zelensky asked an audience of business and government leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland, during his speech on Tuesday.

Zelenskiy wanted to appeal to European officials and businesses, warning that the region’s security was at risk as Trump laid out his priorities in his first executive orders signed since his inauguration on Monday.

Suspending the TikTok ban imposed in the final days of his predecessor Joe Biden’s administration, declaring a national border emergency and backing away from climate goals were among the orders Trump signed in his first act as the 47th president of the United States.

“Will President Trump even notice Europe? Does he think NATO is necessary and will he respect EU institutions?” Zelensky asked, noting that global relations are changing, and Europe is now worried that the US can and will abandon it in times of need. Washington does not share this concern, Zelensky said.

“Does anyone in the United States worry that Europe will one day abandon them, that they might cease to be their ally? The answer is no, he told the delegates.

“Europe cannot afford to be second or third in the line of allies (of the US). If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe … Europe must compete for first place in priorities, alliances and technological development.” “

The region must establish itself as a “strong, global player”, the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelensky’s presence and address provided Kiev with a key opportunity for Ukraine to advance its own peace proposals ahead of likely pressure from newly inaugurated President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

February will mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, and war fatigue is growing amid uncertainty over future aid to Ukraine, which will allow it to continue fighting Russia’s offensive in the country’s south and east.

While Western allies have pledged military support for Kiev, Trump has been far more ambiguous about continuing US aid and has previously boasted that he would end the war within 24 hours of becoming president.

Ukraine’s partners in Europe have expressed concern that Kyiv could be pushed into an unfair peace deal with Moscow that would force it to give up territories currently occupied by Russia. Critics fear that such an arrangement could allow Russia to regroup, rearm and later return to try to annex more territory.

On Tuesday, Zelensky warned that Europe could find itself frozen out of any future peace talks on Ukraine and that the US could continue to negotiate on its own with Russia and China.

“Now it is unclear whether Europe will have a seat at the negotiating table when the war against our country ends and we will see how much influence China has over Russia. We are deeply grateful to Europe for all the support it provides 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 spoken about the possibility of an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he had a good relationship during his first term as president.

In contrast, Trump expressed more mixed feelings about President Zelensky, calling him both “very honorable” and “the greatest salesman” of the past.

Aware of their precarious position, Ukrainian officials have sought to court Trump since his election victory, and Zelensky and his team say they are optimistic they can work together for peace in Ukraine.

Congratulating Trump on his election victory, Zelensky commented on social media X that he highly appreciates “Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs.”

Maksim Tymchenko, chief executive of DTEK, Ukraine’s largest energy company, told CNBC’s Dan Murphy earlier on Tuesday that Ukraine needs a fair peace deal and said he believes Trump could help with that.

“All Ukrainians want a solution as much as everyone else, but it’s not just about a solution, it’s about justice, a just peace. This is something that can last for many years, not some break (in the war),” he said. in Davos.

“I trust President Trump because our countries have common values, and I am sure that President Trump will protect these values, and we will build a new Ukraine based on these values.”

Alluding to the often transactional nature of Trump’s foreign and trade policy, Tymchenko said there could be future cooperation with the US on energy security and the possible reconstruction of Ukraine.