Zelenskyy Criticizes Europe for Reliance on U.S., Announces Ukraine-Russia-U.S. Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Europe of being "lost" and overly dependent on the United States for security, urging European nations to build self-defense capabilities instead of seeking American intervention. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, Zelenskyy said Europe has failed to act as a global leader in defending freedom, especially as U.S. focus shifts elsewhere. He emphasized that Europe remains more of a geographic and historical entity than a unified political power, with many countries lacking resolve despite rhetoric about strength. Zelenskyy revealed he recently met privately with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed affection for Europe but dismissed its weakness. He also announced trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. scheduled for January 24–25, 2026, in the UAE, stressing that Russia must be prepared to compromise for peace to be achieved.