Zelensky Says EU Must Act Faster on Sanctions, Weapons Production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Europe is moving too slowly on sanctions, weapons production, and security support, warning that delays put not only Ukraine but all of Europe at risk.

Speaking to journalists on WhatsApp Friday after the World Economic Forum, Zelensky acknowledged the EU’s financial support, including €90 billion in aid and €45 billion annually for the next two years.

But at the same time, he said Europe has yet to fully demonstrate real influence in dealing with aggressor states or coordinating effectively with the United States.

“Many decisions could be made faster – for example, sanctions,” Zelensky said, pointing to weak enforcement against Russian institutions such as Rosatom, even four years into the war.

He also criticized the slow pace of joint weapons production. Programs like SAFE, which earmarks €155 billion for defense, are significant, he said, but practical cooperation with Ukraine remains limited.

The SAFE program is an EU initiative that helps member states and partner countries build and share military equipment faster through joint defense projects and funding.

“After four years of war, this is not acceptable – we need to move faster,” Zelensky said.  “This is not just protection for Ukraine, it is protection for all of Europe.”

Zelensky has been unusually critical of Europe while addressing the forum Thursday, warning that the EU is divided and unprepared in the face of Russian aggression and other global threats.

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“Instead of becoming a truly global power, Europe remains a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope of small and middle powers,” he said.

He also questioned NATO’s credibility, warning that Europe relies too much on “faith” rather than action, and criticized Europe for failing to support pro-democracy movements, citing Belarus in 2020 as an example.

“For example, Belarus in 2020. No one helped its people, and now Russian ‘Oreshnik’ missiles have been deployed in Belarus, capable of reaching most European capitals,” Zelensky said. 

He also alluded to other regions, including Iran, saying Europe’s inaction undermines global democracy and stability.