Following his pivotal meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky levelled harsh criticism on European leaders due to their lack of action on the Russia-Ukraine war. Comparing Vladimir Putin with Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, Zelensky convinced Europe to adopt a tone of defense without the shield of America.
Stressful Trump-Zelensky Davos Summit.
Amid Russian power grid freeze attacks, Zelensky rushed to Davos when Kyiv plunged into a blackout. The bilateral huddle which Trump narrowly avoided when he switched the discussion towards Greenland focused on peace deals, security and the reconstruction post war. Trump declared the negotiations productive, as both parties were close to reaching an agreement, although there was a challenging balance with Moscow.
Preparation of Moscow visits by US envoy Steve Witkoff accompanied by Jared Kushner came after the meeting. Documents were hailed by Zelensky as more prepared, which affirmed completed security terms. Trilateral negotiations between Ukraine and the US and Russia will begin in Abu Dhabi shortly, whereby territorial compromises will be the main obstacle as the Zaporizhzhia plant will be a major concession.
Trump introduced his Board of Peace at the forum where he was giving $1 billion seats to reconstruction positions. An invitation to Putin was an opportunity to earn fees on frozen property, which is an indicator of big-stakes negotiations.
Zelensky Blistering Europe Attack.
After Trump’s speech, Zelensky ripped apart Europe in Groundhog Day complacency. He compared the aggression by Putin in Ukraine to the oppression of Maduro in Venezuela, where they both use the lack of reaction as an opportunity. He bellowed: Europe is attempting to reform Trump rather than reform itself, evading defence expenditures.
Ukraine values war more than economic conversations, Zelensky emphasised, during the 4-year war that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people. He did not require Europe to seek US aid, but rather defend its borders, which the so-called backup plan by Trump is crucial.
Putin-Maduro Parallel provokes controversy.
Zelensky compared Putin and land grabbing to the election theft perpetrated by Maduro which in both cases are aided by iron-fisted repression. The blackout bombings in Russia resemble the blackouts in Venezuela with Maduro, and they are contributing to internal conflict. This rhetoric puts pressure on Europe, where tiringness is increasing with Ukraine aid.
Kremlin rejected claims of progress, Peskov blocked deals. Putin looks warily at trilateral talks, demanding that Ukraine surrender the occupied areas.
Security Assurances and Rebuilding.
Zelensky won the approval of Trump on post-war shields, denying territorial surrender. Investment through the Trump board is directed at Gaza as well, although Ukraine is the highest on the agenda. Witkoff referred to Ukrainians as people of incredible courage, reducing the matter to the concessions that could be made.
Kyiv teams go to the UAE with the first trilateral and are hoping that Russia will compromise. Zelensky says he will sign in the near future, thanks to Trump’s pressure.
Europe’s Wake-Up Call
The masterful speech of Zelensky revealed rifts across the Atlantic. Macron and Scholz are criticized as not being more decisive, and Poland applauds the crisis. Unless the US provides muscle, Europe should arm Ukraine decisively with jets, tanks, long-range missiles or Putin might strike again.
Trump repeated: the war must come to an end. When Putin hesitates Zelensky threatens stupidity. Davos breakthrough gives hope but the determination of Europe is the determining factor for the time of peace.
Path to Truce Hinges on Unity
Trilaterals are the goodwill test: Ukraine brings no permanent results, and Russia leaves no gains. The outcome of Trump’s presidency depends on his deal-making, which is a mix of carrots (reconstruction) and sticks (sanctions). The European lash that Zelensky so deserves and at the right time at the US retrenchment needs action rather than words.
In Kyiv shivering, the world follows Abu Dhabi. Putin-Maduro shadow looms in case the West falls.
