Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 16, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged the Western nations to intensify sanctions against Russian leader Vladimir Putin and enhance their support for Kyiv to thwart Moscow’s objectives in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskiy conveyed his plea during an address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasizing the critical need for robust international backing to prevent further casualties and protracted hostilities.
Expressing concern over Western hesitancy in supporting Kyiv and apprehensions about an escalation in the conflict, Zelenskiy stressed that such factors were causing unnecessary delays and could potentially extend the duration of the fighting for years. He urged the international community to recognize that Putin’s ambitions transcended the immediate conflict in Ukraine, characterizing Putin as an embodiment of war with unchanging intentions. Zelenskiy asserted the necessity for collective change to prevent the triumph of aggressive ideologies.
Nearly two years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskiy voiced strong opposition to freezing the conflict along its current lines, describing Putin as a predator dissatisfied with maintaining the status quo. He called for effective enforcement of sanctions on Moscow, highlighting the perceived weakness in Western sanctions, particularly in relation to Russia’s nuclear sector.
Acknowledging gratitude for existing sanctions, Zelenskiy emphasized that the true reward would come when sanctions are meticulously implemented to bring about a tangible impact on peace. European Union and NATO leaders echoed Zelenskiy’s sentiments, underlining the imperative for sustained support to Ukraine in terms of weaponry and financial aid.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for predictable financing and a continuous supply of weapons to aid Ukraine’s defense efforts. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg framed support for Ukraine as an investment in the alliance’s security, stating that standing by Ukraine was not an act of charity but a strategic imperative for collective security.
As Kyiv shifts to a more defensive posture following a failed counteroffensive, Zelenskiy outlined key priorities, including securing delayed Western assistance, addressing conscription reforms, and mitigating artillery shortages at the front. In a question-and-answer session, Zelenskiy mentioned positive signals regarding financial support from the European Union and expressed hope for further aid approval from the United States in the coming weeks.
Zelenskiy also engaged in discussions with senior officials on the sidelines of the forum, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, NATO’s Stoltenberg, and representatives from international investors such as JPMorgan executives.
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