Zelenskiy Urges NATO Unity and Increased Defense Spending at Davos
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, emphasizing the need for a just conclusion to Russia's war against Ukraine. Speaking on January 21, Zelenskiy expressed hope in a renewed commitment from U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate an end to the conflict within the year. He asserted, "We want to end the war this year—not only rapidly but justly," underscoring the rights of Ukrainians to live securely.
Trump is scheduled to speak via video at the WEF on January 23, marking one of his first international policy discussions since taking office again. While it is anticipated that he may focus on trade and tariffs, Zelenskiy's remarks brought attention back to defense strategies, specifically the financial commitments of NATO member nations.
In a significant appeal, Zelenskiy supported Trump's push for NATO members to aim for a defense spending target of 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), a figure well above the existing goal of 2 percent. Although many nations have expressed concerns about the strain such an increase would place on their national budgets, Zelenskiy urged that security should not be compromised by financial considerations.
"If 5 percent of GDP is the level needed for proper security, countries should commit to it without speculating on what they might have to give up regarding health care or pensions," he stated, emphasizing that Europe cannot afford to lag behind its allies in defense capabilities.
Highlighting the current defense spending landscape, Zelenskiy noted that the United States allocates 3.38 percent of its GDP to defense, which makes up over 60 percent of NATO's total defense spending. He warned that complacency would result in Europe falling behind, stating, "If this happens, the world will move forward without Europe."
In his address, Zelenskiy also raised concerns about Europe’s energy dependence on Russia amid ongoing security challenges. He called for a commitment from European nations to work towards energy independence, insisting that it is contradictory to purchase gas from Moscow while depending on American security.
"Europe must step up with long-term strategies for energy independence. It’s wrong to keep buying gas from Moscow while expecting security from the Americans," he stated.
Zelenskiy urged increased cooperation among nations for the joint production of military technologies, including drones and air defense systems. He cited successful collaborations between Ukraine and European partners in drone production as a model for what could be achieved moving forward.
As the WEF continues to gather leaders from over 130 countries, Zelenskiy's calls for unity and a proactive defense strategy resonate amid the growing challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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