Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a strong message during the World Economic Forum in Davos, claiming that Ukraine could take action against Russian ships near Greenland if it were a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Zelenskyy’s remarks highlighted the country’s growing military capabilities and its determination to play a role in international security, even far from its own borders.
Ukraine Signals Military Readiness Beyond Its Borders
Speaking to world leaders and business figures in Davos, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces have the expertise and weapons to confront Russian naval operations in distant waters. “If Russian warships are sailing freely around Greenland, Ukraine can help—we have the expertise and weapons to ensure not one of those ships remains,” Zelenskyy stated. He compared the potential action near Greenland to Ukraine’s ongoing operations near Crimea, emphasizing that the country is capable of acting in maritime theaters even though the sea is not its first line of defense.
Zelenskyy also clarified that Ukraine is not yet a NATO member, but said that if the country were part of the alliance, it could directly address Russian naval movements in areas like Greenland. The statement underscores Ukraine’s interest in strengthening its role in global security and aligns with its continued push for NATO membership.
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Experts note that Zelenskyy’s comments are significant because Greenland has strategic importance in the Arctic. It is close to both European and North American military interests and is considered a critical point for monitoring global maritime routes. Zelenskyy’s remarks suggest that Ukraine sees itself as capable of contributing to security far beyond its own borders if fully integrated into NATO structures.
Zelenskyy Criticizes Europe’s Security Approach to Russian Ships
In addition to discussing Ukraine’s potential actions, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about Europe’s response to international security challenges. He referenced the deployment of small numbers of European troops to Greenland for training exercises following U.S. statements about control of the region. “And if you send 30 or 40 soldiers to Greenland—what is that for? What message does it send? What’s the message to Putin? To China? And even more importantly, what message does it send to Denmark—the most important—your close ally?” Zelenskyy asked.
He argued that sending a few soldiers without clear defense guarantees could undermine the credibility of European nations in protecting the Arctic region. Zelenskyy said Europe must take concrete steps, such as establishing military bases and security agreements, to truly deter potential threats. Otherwise, he warned, Russia or China may not take limited deployments seriously.
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The Ukrainian president placed his critique within a broader discussion about Europe’s role in global security. Zelenskyy also pointed out that European countries have made slow progress on establishing a Special Tribunal for Russian aggression, which they have discussed for years but have yet to settle. He questioned whether the delays are due to time constraints or lack of political will, emphasizing that hesitation from European countries continues to impede justice and accountability.
Trilateral Talks and Ukraine’s Global Engagement
Beyond Greenland and Europe, Zelenskyy touched on Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts. He announced that Ukraine, the United States, and Russia are preparing to hold their first-ever trilateral technical-level talks in the coming days. These talks are expected to address operational and technical issues related to security, signaling that Ukraine is actively participating in international discussions despite ongoing conflicts.
Zelenskyy’s statements in Davos underline the country’s growing assertiveness on both military and diplomatic fronts. While the primary focus remains on defending its own territory, Ukraine is making clear that it has the capability and ambition to contribute to global security if given the support and partnerships it seeks.
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Observers noted that Zelenskyy’s comments about Greenland serve both as a warning to Russia and as a message to NATO allies. They highlight Ukraine’s readiness to expand its operational reach and underscore the potential benefits of full NATO integration. The statements also reflect growing concerns about Arctic security, a region that is increasingly important due to its strategic location and natural resources.
Zelenskyy’s speech in Davos combined military warnings, political critique, and diplomatic announcements, painting a picture of a country that is both capable and willing to act on the international stage. His message about Greenland, NATO, and Europe’s security approach has already drawn attention from policymakers and media around the world.