分类： politics

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a strikingly critical address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, directly challenging European Union leadership while announcing the completion of bilateral security agreements with the United States.

In a dramatic shift from his typically diplomatic tone toward Kyiv’s primary financial supporters, Zelensky openly questioned the EU’s “political will” in confronting Russian aggression. Drawing an evocative parallel to the film “Groundhog Day,” he characterized European response mechanisms as trapped in a cycle of repetitive inaction and procedural delays.

The Ukrainian leader’s remarks followed an extended meeting with US President Donald Trump, during which both leaders reportedly reached consensus on the framework for postwar security guarantees. While specific provisions remain undisclosed, Zelensky confirmed the agreement stands ready for executive signatures and subsequent ratification by both nations’ legislative bodies.

Zelensky’s critique extended beyond military support to encompass Europe’s fragmented geopolitical stance. He described the continent as “a beautiful but fragmented kaleidoscope” of middle powers lacking unified global influence. Particularly pointed were his observations regarding European approaches to the Trump administration, noting that efforts to persuade the American president were fundamentally misguided.

“President Trump loves who he is, and he says he loves Europe, but he will not listen to this kind of Europe,” Zelensky stated, suggesting European leaders required strategic adaptation rather than attempted persuasion.

The territorial status of Eastern Ukraine emerged as the principal unresolved issue in potential peace negotiations. With Russian forces occupying approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, Moscow continues to demand full control of the Donbas region—a concession Kyiv maintains would only incentivize further aggression.

President Trump separately characterized his discussion with Zelensky as “good” while emphasizing the necessity to conclude hostilities. His comments preceded scheduled meetings between his personal envoy and Russian leadership in Moscow.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, former White House adviser Jared Kushner presented a controversial redevelopment blueprint for Gaza that envisions transforming the war-ravaged territory into a luxury coastal destination within three years. The proposal, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, features gleaming skyscrapers, tree-lined promenades, and terraced apartment towers overlooking the Mediterranean—a stark contrast to Gaza’s current reality of widespread destruction.

Kushner, operating without official title but as one of Trump’s envoys for Gaza ceasefire efforts, described his ‘master plan’ as aiming for ‘catastrophic success.’ He projected requiring至少$25 billion in investments to rebuild infrastructure and public services, promising that within a decade Gaza could achieve a $10 billion GDP with households earning an average of $13,000 annually through ‘100-percent full employment.’

The presentation notably omitted mention of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose government had spearheaded a separate reconstruction plan supported by Arab nations and the European Union in 2025. Gaza’s newly appointed administrator under Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ framework acknowledged the Egyptian plan as the ‘foundation’ for reconstruction efforts.

The vision emerges against a grim backdrop: according to UN-verified figures, Israel’s retaliatory assault following Hamas’ October 2023 attack has killed至少71,562 Palestinians, with widespread damage to neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools forcing hundreds of thousands into makeshift shelters. A US-brokered ceasefire implemented last October has reduced bombing but failed to alleviate what UN officials describe as ‘inhumane’ living conditions.

Kushner argued that complete disarmament of Hamas—as stipulated in the October ceasefire agreement—would unlock corporate and donor commitments, with investment announcements expected ‘in a couple of weeks in Washington.’ The proposal has sparked global criticism for its timing and perceived disregard for Palestinian political aspirations amid ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

Residents of Greenland have expressed profound frustration following reports that high-level discussions about their territory’s future occurred without their inclusion. This outcry emerged after U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reportedly established a preliminary agreement concerning Greenland during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, locals voiced strong objections to being sidelined in diplomatic negotiations that directly impact their autonomous region. Niels Berthelsen, a 49-year-old maritime captain, articulated the prevailing sentiment: “If they want to make deals about Greenland, they have to invite Greenland to the negotiating table.” His statement, “Nothing about Greenland without Greenland,” has become a rallying cry for those feeling marginalized by international power dynamics.

While President Trump has retreated from earlier suggestions of forcibly acquiring Greenland, the vague nature of the purported agreement has stirred concerns among the territory’s 57,000 inhabitants. Greenland, which transitioned from Danish colonial status to autonomous governance in the late 20th century, maintains control over most domestic affairs while Denmark handles foreign and defense policies.

The historical context amplifies current tensions. Greenland’s colonial past included oppressive assimilation policies such as suppression of the Inuit language and forced sterilizations, creating lasting grievances. Deputy Prime Minister Mute Egede reinforced Greenland’s stance on self-determination, declaring on social media: “Whatever pressure others may exert, our country will neither be given away, nor will our future be gambled with.”

Elder residents like 80-year-old Arkalo Abelsen question the validity of the alleged agreement, suggesting President Trump may have misinterpreted diplomatic conversations. The ongoing uncertainty has disrupted the traditionally tranquil existence of Greenlanders, with many expressing nostalgia for more predictable times before recent geopolitical interest in their strategically significant territory.

Travel agency employee Susan Gudmundsdottir Johnsen echoed this desire for stability: “From now on, we need peace and quiet,” capturing the collective yearning for resolution that respects Greenland’s autonomy and includes its people in decisions determining their future.

In a significant diplomatic confrontation, Germany has declared a Russian military intelligence officer persona non grata and ordered his immediate expulsion from the country. The dramatic move follows the arrest of a German-Ukrainian businesswoman, identified as Ilona W., on charges of operating as a Russian spy.

The German Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to Berlin on Thursday, delivering a firm protest against what it characterized as ‘a hostile act’ of espionage. The ministry explicitly stated that intelligence operations conducted under diplomatic cover are ‘completely unacceptable’ on German soil.

The expelled individual, identified as Andrei M. and formally serving as deputy military attaché at the Russian embassy, was allegedly an operative of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. According to intelligence assessments, he operated as the handler for Ilona W., coordinating her espionage activities targeting Germany’s military infrastructure and Ukraine support operations.

Ilona W., who maintained extensive contacts within German political and business circles, stands accused of leveraging her connections with current and former Defense Ministry personnel to gather sensitive intelligence. Her activities reportedly focused on obtaining classified information regarding military aid channels to Ukraine, drone testing facilities, and Germany’s arms manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, prosecutors allege she facilitated her handler’s access to high-level political events in Berlin using false identification documents.

The case emerges against the backdrop of severely deteriorated German-Russian relations following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. German authorities have increasingly expressed concern about Russian intelligence operations targeting Western military support for Kyiv, including suspected sabotage campaigns and disinformation operations.

In a related development, German investigators continue examining the involvement of two former defense officials—a recently retired staff officer and a former senior civil servant—who are suspected of providing sensitive information to the alleged spy. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine whether these individuals were aware the intelligence was being channeled to Russian operatives.

Russian diplomatic representatives have thus far declined to comment on the allegations or the expulsion order, maintaining silence amid the escalating diplomatic crisis.

European leaders convened in Brussels for an emergency summit on Thursday, expressing measured relief following U.S. President Donald Trump’s unexpected reversal on his territorial ambitions regarding Greenland. The dramatic shift in position emerged after crucial discussions between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the Davos forum, temporarily easing what had become the most severe crisis in transatlantic relations in recent history.

The diplomatic breakthrough came after Trump had threatened both military action to acquire the autonomous Danish territory and punitive tariffs against European allies. Following his meeting with Rutte, the president announced he had secured a ‘framework’ agreement that satisfied his objectives, though specific details remained notably scarce. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the United States and Denmark will renegotiate their 1951 defense pact concerning Greenland, potentially granting Washington enhanced strategic access to the Arctic region.

European diplomats characterized the development as a ‘welcome path forward’ while maintaining sober recognition of the fundamentally altered nature of transatlantic relations. ‘Trump crossed the Rubicon. He might do it again. There is no coming back to what it was,’ cautioned one senior diplomat, emphasizing the necessity for European nations to develop contingency plans for future crises.

The resolution appeared to stem from multiple factors, including European unity in the face of American pressure, domestic political considerations within the United States, and concerning market reactions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the positive development while simultaneously warning that the international order based on legal frameworks had suffered significant damage, entering an era of ‘great power politics.’

Despite the temporary de-escalation, European leaders remain acutely aware that challenges persist beyond the Greenland issue. The continent continues to navigate security dependencies, with increased defense spending aimed at reducing reliance on American protection while still requiring U.S. cooperation regarding Ukraine and Russian deterrence. As one diplomat summarized the prevailing sentiment: ‘We need to maintain our unity, solidarity, and vigilance’ in anticipation of future surprises from the unpredictable American administration.