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🌍 Geopolitics
February 01, 2026

What should Europe do to strengthen its role in global peace efforts?

DAVOS, Switzerland — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky began his address at Davos on Thursday with a stinging rebuke for European leaders over their reluctance to use hard power to punish Russia or defend the continent. Why it matters: European countries often see themselves as keeping Ukraine afloat while President Trump pulls back. But Zelensky made clear he thinks the Europeans are too risk-averse and slow to react — and that the wake-up call Trump has given the continent was long overdue. "If Europe is not seen as a global force, if its actions do not scare bad actors, Europe will always be reacting, catching up to new, dangerous attacks," he said.Zelensky called on the European leaders to use frozen Russian assets and take bold steps like seizing Russian tankers, as Trump has done over Venezuela. Driving the news: Zelensky made news in the Q&A portion following his speech, announcing U.S., Ukrainian and Russian officials will hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday. His remarks came shortly after an hourlong meeting with President Trump.Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Moscow for a meeting with Putin, who has signaled no desire for a truce any time soon. State of play: The U.S. is close to agreement with Ukraine on the terms of a peace plan. While Putin hasn't outright rejected it, his public comments have been unenthusiastic. Meanwhile, Russia has been pummeling Ukraine's energy infrastructure at a time of brutal winter conditions. What he's saying: Zelensky said "every European leader" is currently wondering whether the U.S. would help them in the event of a conflict. "Europe must learn how to defend itself. Sending 14 or 40 soldiers to Greenland, what is that meant to achieve? What message does that send to Putin? To China? And perhaps most importantly, what message does it send to Denmark?""Europe looks lost trying to convince the U.S. president to change. But he will not change. President Trump loves who

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