politics
January 23, 2026
Europe's discontent, useless NATO, Zelensky ‘crosses line’: Davos happenings
Statements by European leaders on the sidelines of the WEF sounded like performances in an international theater of the absurd, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said
TL;DR
- US President Donald Trump stated that European leaders must change their ways regarding illegal immigration and renewable energy, and expressed doubt about NATO allies' willingness to aid the US.
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that Europe would lose its dignity by giving in to US demands and becoming an 'unhappy slave.'
- European officials feel betrayed by Washington and are losing trust in the US, viewing Trump's statements as unreliable and his contempt for Europe unchanged.
- US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was reportedly booed at a dinner in Davos, with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde leaving during his speech.
- IMF head Kristalina Georgieva advised Ukrainians to 'roar in the morning' to gain confidence.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized EU indecision on political issues and implied that those trading in Europe's interests deserve reprimand.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called Zelensky's speech indecent and stated that assistance to Ukraine is insufficient.
- Florian Philippot criticized Zelensky's speech as insulting to Europeans who have financed him, and described it as 'madness.'
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani considered Zelensky's speech 'not generous' towards Europeans.