Zelenskyy Slams Europe as ‘Lost’ and Stuck in ‘Groundhog Day’ at Davos
DAVOS, Switzerland — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a sharply critical address to world leaders Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He said Europe “looks lost” and seems stuck in a repetitive cycle of inadequate action on security and defense.
Zelenskyy invoked the film Groundhog Day to describe how Europe repeats the same debates year after year without progress.
He noted that he delivered similar warnings at the same forum last year and nothing has changed.
Europe’s Response and Zelenskyy’s Critique
Zelenskyy told the Davos audience that Europe needs to become a more unified and decisive global power.
He said many European nations have failed to increase defense spending or act cohesively in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
He questioned symbolic military deployments to areas like Greenland, saying small troop numbers send the wrong message to Russia and China.
Zelenskyy contrasted Europe’s hesitancy with what he described as stronger U.S. actions, such as in Venezuela and Iran.
Repetition Without Progress
“Everyone remembers the great American film Groundhog Day,” he said.
“But no one would want to live like that… repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and years.”
Zelenskyy pointed out that even Ukrainians feel trapped in the same cycle of violence, as the war continues with heavy costs.
He stressed that Europe’s lack of decisive action has failed to change the course of the conflict.
U.S. Meeting and Broader Diplomatic Context
Earlier in Davos, Zelenskyy met privately with U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he described as supportive and productive.
Trump’s envoys were expected in Moscow soon to continue negotiations involving Russia.
Zelenskyy also urged Europe to take stronger measures against Russian oil shipments and frozen assets that help fund the war.
He argued that without decisive action, Russia’s aggression could continue unchecked.
Europe, he said, remains at risk of seeing its own future threatened if it does not strengthen its defense capabilities.
His remarks underline deep frustration in Kyiv over what it sees as sluggish support from some European allies.
