'Maduro Is On Trial, Putin Is Not': Zelenskyy In Davos Speech

Last Updated:January 22, 2026, 21:24 IST

Zelenskyy launched a sharp criticism of Europe, accusing it of failing to act against global threats and inaction against Russian aggression as the Ukraine war nears four years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressing the World Economic Forum. (Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday, January 22, where he delivered a sharp warning to Europe and accused it of failing to act against global threats despite recognising them every year.

“Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words: Europe needs to know how to defend itself. A year has passed. And nothing has changed. We are still in a situation where I must say the same words again," he said in a speech at Davos, adding that Europe needs to “act now".

He compared Ukraine’s situation to the film Groundhog Day, where the same day keeps repeating again and again. “No one would want to live like that, repeating the same thing for weeks and months and of course, four years. That’s exactly how we live now. And it’s our life."

‘Maduro Is On Trial, But Putin…’

Zelenskyy said Europe had not “even tried to build its own response" on defence and security, adding that several countries started investing more in their security after pressure from US President Donald Trump. “What message does this send to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, to China?"

He also criticised Europe for its lack of action against Russia. “President Trump led an operation in Venezuela, and Maduro was arrested. There were different opinions about it, but the fact remains, Maduro is on trial in New York. Sorry, Putin is not on trial. This is the fourth year of the biggest war in Europe since World War II, and the man who started it is not only free, he is still fighting for his frozen money in Europe."

He also warned that Europeэs credibility as a global actor is eroding as Russia continues to produce missiles used to strike Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. “Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today," he said, adding that Europe has not even set up a proper tribunal to investigate Russian crimes.

Zelenskyy also questioned Europe’s response to Russian oil tankers. “Why can President Trump stop tankers from the shadow fleet but Europe doesn’t? The oil funds the war against Ukraine, that oil helps destabilise Europe." He also accused Europe of focusing too much on not offending allies, adding that sending “40 soldiers to protect Greenland won’t make a difference".

Zelenskyy’s Talks With Trump

Zelensky spoke shortly after holding talks with Trump on the sidelines of the forum, marking their first in-person meeting this year. The discussions came at a sensitive moment for Kyiv, as Washington presses ahead with a diplomatic push to end the war while Russia continues large-scale attacks on Ukraine.

The meeting between Zelensky and Trump lasted about an hour and included a one-on-one conversation afterward. Zelensky later called the talks “important," saying he raised the issue of strengthening air defense amid Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, according to Kyiv Independent.

“Our teams are working almost every day," Zelensky said in Davos. “The documents to end this war are nearly ready. Ukraine is acting with honesty and determination. Russia must also be forced to end this aggression."

News world 'Maduro Is On Trial, Putin Is Not': Zelenskyy In Davos Speech

Read More