Zelenskyy blasts Europe for funding Putin's war machine

ISLAMABAD: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a blistering attack on European leaders Thursday, accusing them of bankrolling Russia's war effort by allowing oil sales and missile component transfers while blocking frozen Russian assets from being used to defend Ukraine.

"Europe says nothing, America says almost nothing, and Putin makes missiles," Zelenskyy said in a speech at the World Economic Forum, criticizing both continents for failing to stop companies from selling missile components to Russia.

The Ukrainian leader questioned why President Donald Trump can stop tankers from Russia's shadow fleet and seize oil while Europe does not. he noted that oil being transported along European shores funds the fight against Ukraine.

"If Putin has no money, there is no war for Europe," Zelenskyy said.

He criticized Europe's decision to freeze Russian assets but then block their use to help defend Ukraine when "the time came." He also said there has been "no real progress" on establishing a tribunal for Russian aggression despite "many meetings," questioning whether it is an issue of "time or political will."

'Fragmented kaleidoscope'
Zelenskyy described Europe as facing challenges to its way of life and criticized some European leaders as ineffective.

"Some European leaders are from Europe, but not for Europe," he said, adding that some Europeans "always need someone else to tell them how long they need to stand strong for."

"Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers," he said.

Zelenskyy said many countries did not meet their 2.5% defense pledges until Trump pressed them.

"What message does this send to Putin, to China?" he asked.

Peace documents 'nearly ready'
Referencing a meeting with Trump earlier Thursday, Zelenskyy said documents aimed at ending the war are "nearly ready."

"Without action now, there is no tomorrow," Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine is working with "honesty and determination" and that Russia must become ready to "finish this aggression."

He said previous US meetings resulted in defense missiles for Ukraine and that officials have also discussed "protecting the skies." He expressed hope the US will continue to stand with Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said he is still yet to reach an agreement with the US on a backstop, which he says is needed for a possible ceasefire.

Call for European armed forces
Zelenskyy suggested Europe needs its own armed forces instead of relying on NATO, saying "no one has seen the alliance in action."

He said NATO exists "thanks to belief" that the US will intervene. "But what if it doesn't?" he asked.

He thanked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for their commitments on forces, saying "Everyone is very positive, but. Always but. But the backstop of President Trump is needed."

Diplomatic constraints
Zelenskyy said he has been advised not to mention Tomahawks, describing how he was told this might "spoil the mood" in negotiations with the US.

Meanwhile in Europe, he said there are "endless internal arguments" preventing honest speaking to find solutions.

Greenland and Iran
Addressing the Greenland issue, Zelenskyy said most leaders remain unsure what to do and appear to be "waiting for America to cool down on this topic, waiting for it to pass away."

He said Ukraine has the means to protect Greenland, adding, "We know how to fight there. We would solve the problem if we were in NATO, but we are not."

On Iran, Zelenskyy accused global leaders of not wanting to extend support for Iranians "and the democracy they need."

"When you refuse to help people fighting for freedom, the consequences return - and they are always negative," he said.

Zelenskyy concluded his speech with "slava Ukraini," which means 'glory to Ukraine.'