Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Arrives in Switzerland for World Economic Forum

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to take part in the World Economic Forum.

‘The President has arrived in Davos,’ Ukrinform quoted the President's Office as saying.

In his speech to the forum participants, Zelenskyy stressed that one of the demands of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin would be to reduce the Armed Forces of Ukraine by five times, but Ukrainians would not allow this to happen.

‘One of the important questions that Putin will ask, and we will see it with you, is to reduce the Ukrainian army by a factor of five. If we were able to create an army of 800,000 plus, it is clear that we plus Europe is an army that is able to stand and defend its borders. This is an army that is able to repel Putin, and he understands this. The fastest way (for Russia - ed.) is to put pressure on the United States to keep Ukraine out of NATO and to put pressure on all allies to reduce our army by five times. This is what he wants. We will not allow this to happen,’ Zelenskyy said.

He also called for Europe to step up and make efforts to ensure real energy independence. 

In addition, Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must be strong to be able to guarantee security for itself and its allies.

‘Europe has to be a leader, it has to become the most attractive market in the world, and this can be achieved. And finally, Europe must be able to guarantee peace and security for all - for itself and for others. For those in the world who are important to Europe. Europe deserves to be strong and it needs the EU and NATO for that,’ Zelenskyy said.

He also noted that the new US President Donald Trump will do everything to end the war this year, but it is important for Ukraine to achieve a just peace. ‘Trump told me and then stated publicly that he would do everything to end the war this year... We want to end the war this year, but not just quickly, but above all, fairly. Reliably for all of us, for Ukrainians, so that they can return home, live in safety and work. I think this is the most important thing. At least we will do everything for this,’ Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with leaders from around the world, from Latin America to Southeast Asia, as well as meetings with big business and other events.

The forum started on 20 January, and this year's theme is ‘Cooperation for the Intellectual Age’. Discussions will cover issues such as geo-economic uncertainty, artificial intelligence, rethinking growth and protecting the planet, among other topics. 

Representatives from over 130 countries are expected to attend Davos, including more than 60 heads of state and government and over 1,600 business representatives.

US President Donald Trump will not be physically present at the event, but will join it online and deliver a speech on 23 January.

The President of the European Commission has already spoken at Davos. She warned of the risk of a ‘global race to the bottom’ using economic instruments such as sanctions, export controls and tariffs.

In March 2022, the Davos Economic Forum froze relations with Russia.