Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an impassioned speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Tuesday, calling for increased European unity, security guarantees, and the deployment of at least 200,000 peacekeepers to prevent future Russian aggression after any potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
Speaking in the Swiss alpine town of Davos, Zelenskiy addressed global leaders at a pivotal time, just one day after Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency. Trump has promised a rapid end to the war in Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv about the terms of any settlement.
Zelensky’s speech underscored Ukraine’s urgent need for security guarantees in the face of a continuing Russian threat. He argued that a peacekeeping force of at least 200,000 personnel—roughly the size of France’s entire armed forces—would be the minimum requirement to ensure peace.
“From all the Europeans? 200,000—it’s a minimum. It’s a minimum, otherwise it’s nothing,” Zelensky said during a panel discussion after his address. With Russia’s military reportedly numbering 1.5 million personnel, he stressed that Ukraine needed robust backing to prevent future aggression.
Zelensky also dismissed Russian demands that Ukraine drastically reduce its military size, vowing to maintain sufficient defense capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty. “This is what [Russian President Vladimir Putin] wants. We will not allow this to happen,” he asserted.
Europe’s Role in Global Security
Zelensky called on Europe to adopt a more prominent role in global security and defense. He suggested that European countries develop a unified security strategy and increase defense spending, referencing a proposal by President Trump to raise NATO members’ contributions to 5% of GDP.
“If it takes 5% of GDP to cover defense, then so be it. And there is no need to play with people’s emotions that defense should be compensated at the expense of medicine or pensions,” he said.
Zelensky also criticized Europe’s perceived over-reliance on U.S. security guarantees, urging the continent to become a “strong global player” capable of protecting itself and others. “Europe must have a seat at the table when deals about war and peace are made,” he stressed. “Europe cannot afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe.” Amid the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s plans for Ukraine, Zelensky confirmed that efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between the two leaders.
“The teams have been working on a meeting; they are currently in the process,” Zelensky stated.
A Forum Overshadowed by Global Risks
The WEF, held annually in Davos since 1971, brings together leaders from politics, business, and finance to address global challenges. This year’s theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” has been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and the resurgence of Trump’s administration.

FILE PHOTO: A view of a logo during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, January 19, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
Although the forum claims to foster cooperation and problem-solving, skepticism about its relevance in a world marked by nationalism and economic decoupling persists. Major political leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were absent, while U.S. President Trump is scheduled to appear virtually later in the week.
This year’s forum has been marked by a pessimistic outlook among its delegates. The WEF’s annual risk report revealed that 23% of experts identified “state-based armed conflict” as the most pressing global threat, far outpacing concerns about climate change and misinformation.