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For two days, the Ukrainian president campaigned for support for Ukraine in Switzerland, Bern and at the WEF in Davos. At all levels: military, political, economic, humanitarian.
He constantly shook hands, posed for photos, negotiated, explained, and listened. He invoked the seriousness of the situation in his speech in Davos – “If you think this is only about Ukraine, then you’ve got it wrong” and “Putin is a predator who is never satisfied” – and he has , despite everything, cracked jokes. And he received a standing ovation for his performance. He has once again proven that he is a man of the big stage.
Appearance at a critical time
It was the Ukrainian president’s first visit to Switzerland since Russia invaded Ukraine on a large scale almost two years ago. Every trip abroad is a risk and must be carefully considered. Zelenskiy usually only travels in person when he receives something for his country.
Was that the case this time too? Most likely yes. Because Ukraine is in an extremely difficult situation: aid – financial and military – is flowing more sparsely than before, the situation on the front is difficult, and the world’s attention is turning to other issues. People have almost gotten used to the Russian atrocities in Ukraine.
It is a critical moment for Ukraine. That’s why the decision to travel with a large delegation headed by Zelenskiy was certainly the right one: to spread the message of the urgency of supporting Ukraine to the maximum. “We need all of you,” said Selenski to the participants in the hall. If Putin is not stopped, the whole of Europe will soon have to fight against him.
Financial help in focus
At a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Selenski called for his country to join the defense alliance as quickly as possible. He explained to over 70 global business leaders and investors how important investments are for Ukraine. The country’s economy continues to run, even during wartime, and even grew slightly last year.
But in order to maintain the functioning of the state and institutions, Ukraine needs financial help. Not to mention the urgently needed armaments. That was what all the many bilateral meetings with heads of state and government in Davos were about. And also about the hotly debated topic of sending the frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
One step closer to an international alliance
And of course there was also Switzerland’s promise to host a peace summit. It is a small diplomatic success for Ukraine. It is one step closer to its goal of forming an international alliance that shares Kiev’s belief that only a just peace can be lasting.
So was Zelenskiy’s visit a success? Yes, because with his big appearance he received attention that others can only dream of.