Zelenskyy in Davos: If Europe had helped the Belarusian people in 2020, there would be no "Oreshnik" on its territory today
In his speech at the Davos forum, the President of Ukraine touched upon the inaction of the European Union regarding peoples fighting for democracy, recalling the recent protests in Iran, when "everyone was waiting to see what America would do," but neither the world nor Europe "sided with the Iranian people and democracy."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech in Davos. Photo: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
"If you refuse to help a people fighting for democracy, the consequences will be negative. Take Belarus in 2020, that's an 'excellent' example. Nobody helped the people of Belarus, and now Russian 'Oreshnik' missiles are deployed in Belarus, within range of most European capitals. This would not have happened if the Belarusian people had won in 2020.
We have repeatedly told our European partners that action must be taken immediately, action against these missiles in Belarus. Because missiles are not a decoration. However, Europe lives in 'Greenland mode', meaning in the 'maybe someday someone will do something' mode," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President of Ukraine noted that recently the world witnessed a swift US operation in Venezuela and the arrest of its leader Nicolás Maduro, who will now be tried in New York. At the same time, the President of Russia, for all the evil he has inflicted and continues to inflict on Ukraine, remains unpunished.
"Maduro has been arrested, and there are different opinions surrounding this—but the fact remains. Maduro will be tried in New York. Excuse me, but Putin is still not in court. It is the fourth year of the largest war in Europe since the Second World War. And the one who started it is not just at large—he is also fighting for his frozen assets in Europe," Zelenskyy said.
He added that the International Criminal Court is often not mentioned in discussions due to the US's attitude towards it, especially during the Trump administration.
"But at the same time, there is no real progress in creating a special tribunal to hold Russia accountable for aggression against Ukraine... We have an agreement, that's true. Many meetings have been held, but Europe has not even yet determined a location for the tribunal with staff and actual work. What is the problem—lack of time or lack of political will? In Europe, something is too often more important than justice," Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Ukrainian president stated that Europe "avoids measures" that determine its future. In this context, he recalled Russia's "shadow fleet", which supplies Russian oil to the continent.
Zelenskyy gave an example that US President Donald Trump can stop Russian tankers.
"Europe loves to discuss the future but avoids taking measures today, measures that determine what future we will get — that's the problem. Why can President Trump stop shadow fleet tankers and prevent oil supplies, but Europe cannot?" he addressed the forum participants.
Zelenskyy emphasized that by stopping Russian oil supplies, Europe protects its population.
"Russian oil is transported along European coasts; it contributes to the war against Ukraine, it helps paralyze Europe, so Russian oil must be stopped, confiscated, and sold for Europe's benefit. Why not? If Putin has no money, there will be no war for Europe," Zelenskyy said.
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Эўропа 27% сусветнага ВУП, Мангола - Маскоўскі улус (як пісаў К. Маркс) 1%. Калі бы Эўропа вырашыла спыніць Маскоўскі драпежны імперыялізм. Не гэтай вайны, не дыктатуры, не Мангола - Маскоўскага улуса ужо даўно не было бы. Сёння слухалі бы ў Менску музыкаў з Алані, Глядзелі бы стужкі на тувіснакай мове, выраблялі БМВ ў Гародні.