Thread by @ZelenskyyUa

Most of the world is thinking: What’s next for their relationship with America? Alliances? Support? Trade? President Trump’s plans to end wars? But no one is asking these questions about Europe—and we need to be honest about that. Today I addressed the World Economic Forum.

Right now, all eyes are on Washington. But who’s actually watching Europe at the moment? That’s the key question for Europe. It’s not just about ideas—it’s about people and how they’ll live in a constantly changing world.

20 hours ago, President Trump’s inauguration took place in Washington. Now, everyone’s watching what he’ll do next. His first executive orders have already shown clear priorities.

When we in Europe look at the U.S. as our ally, it’s clear – they are an indispensable ally. In times of war, everyone worries – will the United States stay with them? But does anyone in the U.S. worry that Europe might abandon them someday – might stop being their ally? The answer is no.

Washington does not believe Europe can bring them something that is really substantial. At the Shangri-La Dialogue last year, U.S. officials openly ranked Europe third in security priorities — after the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East and the Gulf.

That was under the previous Administration. Will President Trump even notice Europe? Does he see NATO as necessary? And will he respect EU institutions?

Europe can’t afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe, and that’s a world that won’t be comfortable or beneficial for Europeans. Europe needs to compete for the top spot in priorities, alliances, and technological development.

We’re at yet another turning point, which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong and indispensable global player. Let’s not forget – there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia.

European leaders should remember: battles involving North Korean soldiers are now happening in places geographically closer to Davos than to Pyongyang. Russia is turning into a version of North Korea – a country where human life means nothing, but they have nuclear weapons and a burning desire to make their neighbors’ lives miserable.

Even though Russia’s overall economic potential is way smaller than Europe’s, it produces several times more ammo and military equipment than all of Europe combined. That’s exactly the path of wars Moscow chooses to take.

Putin signed a new strategic deal with Iran and already has a comprehensive treaty with North Korea. Who are these deals against? Against you, against all of us. Against Europe. Against America. It is no coincidence. These are their strategic priorities, and our priorities must match the challenge – in politics, defense and economy.

Such threats can only be countered together. Even when it comes to army size. Russia can field 1.5 million troops. We have over 800,000 in our military. Next is France, with over 200,000. Then Germany, Italy, and the UK. Everyone else has less.

This isn’t a situation where one country can secure itself alone. It’s about all of us standing together to mean something. For now the influence of Iran’s regime is weakening. This gives hope for Syria and Lebanon. And they should too become examples of how life can recover after war.

Ukraine is already stepping in to support the new Syria: our ministers have been to Damascus; we’ve launched the “Food from Ukraine” aid program for Syria; we’re getting our partners involved to invest in these deliveries and in building food production facilities. Europe could step up as a security donor for Syria. And together with America, Europe should address the Iranian threat.

Right now, it’s unclear whether Europe will even have a seat at the table when the war against Ukraine ends. We see how much influence China has on Russia. We’re deeply grateful to Europe for all the support it’s given our country during this war. But will President Trump listen to Europe, or will he negotiate with Russia and China without Europe?

Europe needs to learn how to fully take care of itself, so that the world can’t afford to ignore it. It’s vital to maintain unity in Europe because the world doesn’t care about just Budapest or Brussels—it cares about Europe as a whole.

We need a united European security and defense policy. All European countries must spend what is truly needed on security—not just what they’ve gotten used to during years of neglect. If defense requires 5% of GDP, then 5% it is.

There’s no need to play with peoples emotions that defence should be compensated at the expense of medicine or pensions – that’s not fair. We’ve already set-up models of cooperation for Ukraine’s defense that can make all of Europe stronger.

We’re building drones together, including unique ones no one else has. We’re producing artillery quickly and affordably—better than anywhere else. Investing in Ukraine’s drones’ production is not just about Europe’s security. It’s about making Europe a global security guarantor for other vital regions.

We need to start building defense systems together—ones capable of protecting against all types of cruise and ballistic missiles. Europe needs its own Iron Dome capable of countering all threats.

We can’t rely on goodwill from a few capitals when it comes to Europe’s security—whether Washington, Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, or – after Putin kicks the bucket – some imaginary democrat in Moscow someday.

No European country should be dependent on a single energy supplier—especially not Russia. Right now, things are on our side – President Trump is going to export more energy. But Europe needs to step-up and do more long-term work to secure real energy independence.

It is impossible to keep buying gas from Moscow while expecting security guarantees, help and backup from the Americans. That’s just wrong. For example, the Prime Minister of Slovakia is not seeking access to the U.S. gas but does not lose hope to enjoy U.S. security umbrella.

Europe must have a seat at the table when deals about war and peace are made. Not just for Ukraine—this must be the standard. Europe deserves to be more than just a bystander, with its leaders reduced to posting on X after an agreement has already been made. Europe needs to shape the terms of those deals.

We need a completely new, bolder approach to tech companies and technological development. If we waste time, Europe will lose this century.
Now, Europe is falling behind in the development of artificial intelligence.

TikTok’s algorithms are already more powerful than some governments. The fate of small countries depends more on the owners of tech companies than on their laws. Europe is not leading in the global tech race, falling behind both America and China. This isn’t some minor issue – it’s about weakness, first technological and economic, then political.

Europe is often more focused on regulation than on freedom, but when smart regulation is needed, Brussels hesitates. We should ensure maximum tech development in Europe and together make all significant decisions – for the whole Europe.

From weapons production to tech development, Europe must lead. Europe must become the most attractive market in the world – and that’s achievable. Europe must be able to guarantee peace and security – not just for itself but for others, for those in the world who matter to Europe.

Europe deserves to be strong. And for this, Europe needs the EU and NATO. Is this possible without Ukraine and a just end to Russia’s war against Ukriane? I’m certain the answer is no. Only real security guarantees for Ukraine will serve as real security guarantees for everyone in Europe.

We must ensure that America also sees us as essential. For that to happen, America’s focus must shift to Europe. So that one day, in Washington, they’ll say – all eyes on Europe. Not because of war. But because of the opportunities in Europe. Europe needs to know how to defend itself.

Millions visit Europe for its landmarks, to learn from its cultural heritage. Millions dream of living like Europeans. Will we be able to keep it and pass it to our children? If we in Europe can answer positively, America—and the world—will need Europe too. Europe must shape history for itself and its allies to remain not just relevant, but alive and great.