There are many important people at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. They run around, pushing their way through the crowd. Even queens have to hold their name tags in front of scanners to be allowed into event halls.
Only one thing is different. He runs through the crowds, surrounded by more than 30 men who simply push aside those in the way. And when he gives a speech, the largest hall is fuller than ever.
Everyone here knows that wherever Volodymyr Zelenskyj speaks, something historical can be expected. When he comes on stage, you pull out your cell phone and take photos. And when he has finished speaking, the crowd has to applaud, standing of course. For the first time, Zelenskyj is personally present at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. No more video speeches. Maybe because video switching is no longer enough.
Zelenskyj still has a special role, yes – but his position is no longer the same as it was back then, after February 24, 2022. As cynical as it may sound, the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East has attracted attention the war in Ukraine. With the increasing number of dead Ukrainians and the numerous but insufficient support from the West, Zelensky’s popularity at home and abroad is declining. The approaching election in the USA and the prospect of a possible US President Trump are reducing Zelensky’s chances of receiving more aid money and armaments.
That’s why he’s here again. Another cry for help. Ask again for attention and support. He starts with the questions that he himself can probably no longer hear: When will this war end? Hasn’t the time come for negotiations with Russia? Zelensky knows that these questions are being asked more and more loudly. But he’s here to make it clear: If you give up on us, you’re not just giving up Ukraine.
He talks about all the countries from Sudan to Mali where Vladimir Putin is still waging war. He says the Russian president is the only reason why there has been war in Syria for 13 years. He describes the freedom that is being defended in Ukraine. But above all, Zelensky describes the danger that could arise for Europe if Putin puts his wishes into action. Which European country is seriously in a position to defend itself against Russia if Putin’s great power fantasies with Ukraine are not fulfilled, Zelenskyj asks – and then warns: “He won’t change. We have to change.”
What does he mean by that? This year we have to be decisive if Ukraine is to win the war. Because of fears of escalation, his country lost time – and lives – in the fight against Russia. “Every reduction in aid prolongs the war, every support shortens it.”
The day before, the Ukrainian president met Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd in Bern and announced with her that a peace summit for Ukraine would soon take place in Switzerland. In the morning he spoke to 17 company bosses about reconstruction and investments in Ukraine; he met US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken as well as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Zelenskyj made a big appearance in Davos, that is beyond question. It is uncertain whether the support that follows this appearance will be as great.
