Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has raised concerns over US commitment to Europe and urged stronger EU defense efforts
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has said that the United States does not prioritize Europe as a top concern and urged European countries to bolster their defense efforts. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, he highlighted the need for Europe to take a more active role in its own security, especially in light of shifting US foreign policies.
Zelensky raised concerns about Washington’s view of its relationship with Europe, arguing that Europeans see the US as an irreplaceable ally, especially during wartime.
“But does anyone in the United States worry that Europe might one day leave them or stop being their ally? The answer is no. Washington does not believe that Europe can bring them anything truly significant,” he added.
The Ukrainian leader also referenced comments made by US officials at the Asia Security Summit last year, saying that representatives of the then-Biden administration had openly admitted that Europe was placed third in strategic priority, following the Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East.
Zelensky also warned that Europe will lose relevance on the global stage if it fails to assert itself. “Europe cannot afford to be a second or third priority for its allies. If that happens, the world will move forward without Europe. And it will be a world where it will not be comfortable to live,” he said.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the US Congress has provided roughly $175 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Kiev.
Trump has repeatedly promised to end the conflict between Moscow and Kiev within 24 hours of retaking office. During his inauguration day on Monday, he joked that he had “half a day left” to fulfill his promise. His nominee for envoy on the Ukraine conflict, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, has suggested a peace deal could be brokered within 100 days.
Earlier on Tuesday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Ukraine will be a “top priority” for the administration, with work on a ceasefire agreement starting immediately. However, he added that both Ukraine and Russia will have to concede “something” as part of any deal.
During his first term, Trump frequently accused European nations of freeloading off American military might and underspending on defense, with Germany often singled out for criticism. He urged NATO members to meet their existing commitment of allocating 2% of GDP to defense, a benchmark many failed to reach.
Before retaking office in January, Trump reiterated his stance on defense spending, calling on European NATO members to increase their budgets to 5% of GDP. He argued that these nations “can all afford” the higher contributions, highlighting disparities in spending among allies.
