“The oil passing along Europe’s coasts is paying for this war,” Zelenskyy said, arguing that without revenue from energy exports, Moscow would be unable to continue its military campaign. “If Putin has no money, there will be no war in Europe,” he added.

Zelenskyy criticised what he described as hesitation in Europe over converting frozen Russian assets into concrete support for Ukraine’s defence. While billions of dollars in Russian funds remain immobilised, he said efforts to use them for Ukraine or to establish a war crimes tribunal have stalled. “Meetings are held, statements are made, but decisions are delayed,” he said, questioning whether the obstacles were political caution or a lack of resolve.

On security guarantees, the Ukrainian leader acknowledged ongoing discussions and thanked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for assurances of support. However, he noted that talks often end with the argument that broader commitments depend on the stance of former US President Donald Trump, underscoring Europe’s continued reliance on Washington.

Zelenskyy also warned Europe against assuming the United States will always intervene militarily. Referring to debates within NATO, he said security cannot be based solely on the expectation of US involvement. “Sending 40 soldiers to Greenland will change nothing,” he said, adding that Ukraine has real battlefield experience but remains outside the alliance.

Drawing parallels with Iran and Belarus, Zelenskyy said history shows that ignoring struggles for freedom ultimately leads to wider instability. He accused Western countries of failing to stop companies from supplying missile components to Russia, allowing Moscow’s weapons production to continue despite sanctions.

Describing Europe as “strong in appearance but fragmented,” Zelenskyy called for unity and action rather than prolonged debate. “Ukraine does not need speeches anymore,” he said. “It needs decisions that stop the war.”

Zelenskyy also confirmed that his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of Davos was constructive, and that documents related to ending the conflict are close to completion. Trump later said he had conveyed a clear message to Putin that the war must end, adding that US representatives were travelling to Moscow for further talks.