Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos — 1/22/26

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 22, 2026 at 15:11  |  40:21  |  CNBC
Speakers
Volodymyr Zelenskiy — President of Ukraine

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging Europe to act with urgency on defense, sanctions, and support for Ukraine. He criticized Europe's slow response to Russian oil exports, frozen asset use, and security threats, while calling for higher defense spending and a united European force. In a Q&A, he said his meeting with President Trump was positive and that trilateral talks with the US and Russia are planned. He ended by urging businesses to invest in Ukraine now by opening offices and creating jobs.

  • Zelenskyy spoke at Davos amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
  • He called for Europe to build a united armed force and raise defense spending to at least 5% of GDP.
  • He urged Europe to stop and confiscate Russian oil exports and use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.
  • He criticized Europe for slow action on security guarantees, sanctions, and justice for Russian aggression.
  • He discussed a positive meeting with President Trump and upcoming trilateral talks with the US and Russia.
  • He asked businesses at Davos to invest in Ukraine now, open offices, and create jobs.
  • He highlighted Ukraine's drone interceptor production but said air defense and Patriot systems remain insufficient.
Ideas
Volodymyr Zelenskiy President of Ukraine 9:32
Stop and confiscate Russian oil exports.
Zelenskyy says Russian oil is being transported along European shores and funds Russia's war against Ukraine and destabilization of Europe. He argues Russian oil must be stopped and confiscated and sold for Europe's benefit, implying stronger sanctions and confiscation risk for Russian oil flows.
USO HIGH
Volodymyr Zelenskiy President of Ukraine 10:04
Europe must rearm, lifting defense spending.
Zelenskyy argues Europe must build a united armed force and raise defense spending to at least 5% of GDP, noting some countries are already investing in weapons production and partnerships. He warns Europe cannot rely solely on the US/NATO and must be able to defend itself, creating a clear demand tailwind for European defense and weapons production.
European Defense HIGH
Volodymyr Zelenskiy President of Ukraine 38:47
Invest in Ukraine now, trust postwar future.
Zelenskyy explicitly urges businesses at Davos to open offices and invest in Ukraine now, arguing that even small early commitments signal trust in a postwar independent Ukraine and provide jobs, money, and real support rather than words. He frames investing despite the war as the biggest chance to help Ukraine and participate in its future recovery.
Ukraine HIGH
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This CNBC video, published January 22, 2026, features Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussing USO, European Defense, Ukraine. 3 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Volodymyr Zelenskiy  · Tickers: USO, European Defense, Ukraine