Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered one of his most direct and unsettling speeches yet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, warning that Europe is dangerously unprepared for a future where American military backing may no longer be guaranteed. Referring to a recent conversation between NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy noted that “America is already changing its position, but nobody knows exactly how,” adding that global decisions are now moving “faster than Europe.” Rejecting the idea of Europe as a loose collection of small and medium powers, Zelensky urged leaders to think bigger, saying, “We should not degrade ourselves to secondary roles… when united, we are truly invincible.” He argued that Europe must stop reacting late to crises and instead “define the future” as a global force capable of defending its values, its borders, and its way of life. Turning to NATO, Zelensky questioned whether the alliance can function if belief replaces certainty. “Right now, NATO exists thanks to belief,” he warned. “Belief that the United States will act. But what if it doesn’t?” He posed a stark scenario, asking who would respond if Russia targeted Lithuania or struck Poland, warning that Europe cannot rely indefinitely on assumptions rather than real military readiness. Zelensky also criticised Europe’s sanctions regime, arguing that while Russian oil has become cheaper, “the flow has not stopped,” allowing Moscow’s war machine to keep operating. Pointing to Belarus as a missed opportunity, Zelensky said Europe’s inaction after the 2020 protests allowed Russian missiles to be stationed within range of major European cities. “Missiles are never just decoration,” he warned, accusing Europe of remaining in “Greenland mode — maybe someday someone will do something.” In one of his sharpest passages, Zelenskyy criticised European leaders who speak of values but hesitate to act, saying “you can’t build the new world order out of words. Only actions create real order.” He warned that Ukraine is only the first target, adding, “Today they target Ukraine. Tomorrow, it could be any NATO country.” Zelensky closed by questioning Europe’s credibility on global security, from Greenland to Iran, warning that symbolic deployments and hesitation send the wrong signal to adversaries. Without decisive action, he cautioned, Europe risks remaining a geography rather than becoming the great power it claims to be. Watch his full speech here.