On Tuesday at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on political and business leaders to provide increased military assistance to his country. He warned that failure to do so could result in Russia attacking other nations, causing concern in Kyiv that the conflict is losing attention on the global stage.

Amidst the current spotlight on conflict in the Middle East and Houthi aggression targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, Zelenskyy took advantage of the Davos platform to emphasize the gravity of Ukraine’s battle against Russian invaders.

Zelenskyy stated that those who believe this conflict only affects Ukraine are incorrect. He believes that there are clear signs that Russia may launch another aggressive attack beyond Ukraine in the near future. He suggests that it would be more beneficial to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war tactics now, instead of waiting to fight against him together in the future when Ukrainian soldiers are already sacrificing their lives.

Air superiority

The delegates applauded Zelenskyy’s speech, but Ukraine is not only looking for approval from its allies.

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy stated the importance of achieving air dominance in Ukraine, similar to the dominance they have achieved at the Black Sea. He expressed confidence in their ability to do so, knowing that their partners are aware of the necessary resources and quantities needed to make progress on the ground.

The leader of Ukraine also called for the Western countries to increase sanctions against Moscow.

Zelenskyy stated at the Davos conference that a crucial decision must be made this year regarding the use of frozen Russian assets. These funds would be used for strengthening Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and for rebuilding the country. He also emphasized that Putin’s love for money may be a motivating factor in his actions, and the more he and his associates lose financially, the more likely he will regret initiating the war.

Zelenskyy’s remarks were not immediately addressed by Moscow. While Russia focuses on rebuilding its military after significant losses in Ukraine, Kyiv is requesting urgent provision of new weapons and ammunition.

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The United States is providing military support to Somalia.

Republican members of the United States Congress are preventing the passage of an urgent spending bill that contains approximately $50 billion in security aid for Ukraine. They are demanding that this aid be contingent on compromises being made regarding American border security.

During a meeting with Zelenskyy at Davos on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that his country’s assistance would continue for the long term.

“We are committed to continuing our assistance to Ukraine and are closely collaborating with Congress in order to achieve this. Our European partners are also taking similar actions. As you make progress in defeating the Russian aggression, it is important to also strengthen Ukraine for the future. This includes building a strong military, economy, and democracy.” Blinken stated.

Hungary veto

Hungary is preventing a $54 billion aid package from the European Union to Ukraine. The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, suggested that the bloc may consider removing Hungary’s voting rights at an upcoming summit.

“I am personally focused on reaching a consensus among 27 EU member states by the deadline of 27. If this is not feasible, we are willing to settle for an agreement among 26 members. However, I strongly advocate for and favor an agreement among all 27 members,” stated von der Leyen on Tuesday.

Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary, expressed his desire for any financial assistance given to Ukraine to be distinct from the usual spending of the bloc.

At a press conference in Budapest on Tuesday, Orban stated that he desires financial aid for Ukraine to be given independently from the EU budget. He also expressed the need to discuss the budget amendment and the aid to Ukraine separately, as there is a possibility that funds designated for other countries may end up in Ukraine.

With Western unity uncertain, Latvia, a strong supporter of Ukraine, believes a new approach in rhetoric is necessary.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics stated at the Davos press conference that instead of saying we will support Ukraine for as long as needed, we should change our rhetoric to supporting Ukraine until their victory.

Source: voanews.com