Ukraine is Ready to Be Part of a Europe of Real Power, Great Power – President

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Ukraine is ready to help Europe become a true power, guarantee peace, and prevent destruction. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a special session of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Head of State emphasized that Europe has so far failed to find answers to today's global threats, noting in particular that the recent crimes of the Iranian regime have gone without a dignified response.

The President noted that the United States managed to arrest the Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, while Vladimir Putin has still not been held accountable in Europe. At the same time, Russia even continues to fight for its frozen assets.

"Thankfully, the EU decided to freeze Russian assets indefinitely - and I am grateful for that - thanks, Ursula, thanks, António, and all the leaders who helped. But when the time came to use those assets to defend against Russian aggression, the decision was blocked," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State separately highlighted the work of the Coalition of the Willing on security guarantees for Ukraine and thanked the United Kingdom and France for a declaration that provides for the deployment of a reassurance force in Ukraine after a ceasefire.

"We are doing everything to make sure that our Coalition of the Willing truly becomes a Coalition of Action. And again - everyone is very positive, but - always but - but the backstop of President Trump is needed. And again - no security guarantees work without the U.S.," the President emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Europe to tighten sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet in order to halt oil exports and deprive Russia of the funds it uses to wage the war. Because Russian oil funds the war against Ukraine and helps destabilize Europe, it must be stopped, confiscated, and sold for Europe's benefit.

"Europe must do more, so its sanctions block enemies as effectively as American sanctions. Why is that important? Because if Europe is not seen as a global force, if its actions don't scare bad actors, then Europe will always be reacting - catching up with new dangers and attacks," the Head of State emphasized.

The President also emphasized that Europe must create united armed forces capable of guaranteeing its real security.

"Right now, NATO exists thanks to belief - belief that the United States will act, that it will not stand aside, and will help. But what if it doesn't?" Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked.

Separately, the Head of State recalled that the Belarusian people did not receive sufficient support in 2020, and that Russia has now deployed the Oreshnik missile system on the territory of Belarus, which is capable of attacking European cities. Likewise, Europe today is not helping the Iranian people or the democracy they need.

The President is convinced that Europe must demonstrate global strength and take a principled stance to prevent any threats from those who endanger its unity. Instead, Europe is expending significant effort on internal disputes rather than uniting and stopping Russia.

"We must remember what separates Russia from all of us. The most fundamental line of conflict between Russia and Ukraine and all of Europe is this: Russia fights to devalue people, to make sure that when dictators want to destroy someone - they can. But they must lose power, not gain it," the Head of State noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian missiles are produced only because sanctions-evasion schemes still exist. He noted that Russia is now trying to freeze Ukrainians to death at temperatures of -20°C. Russia would not be able to produce a single missile without critical components sourced from China, Europe, the United States, and Taiwan.

"And I thank every country, of course, and every company that helps Ukraine repair its energy system. This is crucial. Thank you to all who support the PURL program, helping us buy Patriot missiles. But wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just cut Russia off from the components it needs for missile production? Or even destroy the factories making them?" the Head of State added.

According to the President, Europe must demonstrate an active stance in order to build a better world without war. Ukraine is ready to help Europe with everything necessary to guarantee peace and prevent destruction.

"We are ready to be part of a Europe that truly matters - a Europe of real power - great power. Today, we need that power to protect our own independence. But you need Ukraine's independence, too, because tomorrow, you may have to defend your way of life. And when Ukraine is with you, no one will wipe their feet on you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.