Europe Talks About the Future but Does Not Act Today, Zelensky Says as He Urges Action Against Putin

22 January 2026

In Davos, the Ukrainian leader complains about the lack of political will to confront Russia, criticizes the timid response to sanctions and states that, with Ukraine by its side, the bloc ceases to be “salad of small and medium powers”

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, harshly attacked Europe for its apparent unwillingness to curb Vladimir Putin, while his country suffers from lack of water, heating and energy under Russian bombs, four years after the war began.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, this Thursday, Zelensky accused European allies of failing to interrupt the “shadow” fleet of Russian oil tankers, of not advancing the seizure of frozen Russian assets and of lacking the will to act as a true global power when the attention of the United States shifts to other topics.

“Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today,” said a visibly irritated Zelensky to the audience. “Where is the lineup of leaders willing to act?”

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The Ukrainian president spoke after rushing to Davos for a last-minute meeting with Donald Trump. The U.S. president described the encounter as “good” and demonstrated renewed hope that the war with Russia is coming to an end.

“We must not accept that Europe is merely a salad of small and medium powers, tempered by enemies of Europe itself,” Zelensky said. “When Ukraine is with you, no one will walk all over you. And you will always have a path to act – and act in time.”

© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.

James Whitmore

James Whitmore

I am a financial journalist specialising in global markets and long-term investment strategies, with a background in economics and corporate finance. My work focuses on translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for private investors and professionals. At Wealth Adviser, I contribute in-depth analysis on equities, macroeconomic trends, and portfolio construction.