“This is simply wrong” – Zelensky discusses Russia’s energy dependence and international cooperation in Davos

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed global financial leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, calling for an end to European dependence on Russian energy, noting U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan Trump to increase American oil exports and encouraging more cooperation from around the world. world to weaken Russia’s war base as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches the three-year mark.

With the notable exceptions of Slovakia, Hungary and the Moldovan breakaway territory of Transnistria, European countries have recently indicated that they are willing and able to find alternative sources of energy after the early shutdown of the flow of Russian natural gas transiting through Ukraine. of this year.

“We must ensure that no European country depends on a single energy supply, and especially not on Russia,” Zelensky said, referring to Europe’s historic dependence on Moscow for the majority of its domestic heating, its industrial energy and its electricity in general.

“For now, things are on our side,” he continued. “President Trump will export more energy. But Europe must step up its efforts and undertake longer-term work to ensure true energy independence.”

“You cannot continue to buy gas from Moscow while waiting for security guarantees and help from the Americans,” Zelensky said. “That’s simply wrong.”

In his inauguration speech Monday, Trump promised to dramatically increase U.S. oil production, proclaiming “Drill, baby, drill” to thunderous applause from conservative supporters gathered at the Capitol and on satellite viewing sites. While former President Joe Biden increased U.S. oil production during his term, he also banned the drilling of new wells on thousands of acres offshore at the eleventh hour, just before entering into Trump’s office.

The new president declared a national energy emergency on the first day of his new presidency and vowed he would “unleash” U.S. energy production while repealing new restrictions on drilling in Alaska.

Trump, in his speech, promised to make America the “largest oil exporter” in the world. While America has been the world’s largest oil producer for some time, for the past two decades Saudi Arabia has been by far the world’s largest net exporter of oil.

According to CEIC economic data, Saudi Arabia exported 7.36 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2022, followed by Russia with an estimate for the same year of 4.78 million barrels per day, then Iraq with 3.7 million, and finally the United States with 3.6 million.

While it is difficult to estimate Russia’s export levels in 2024 given Western sanctions on these shipments and Moscow’s efforts to circumvent these restrictions using its “ghost fleet” of tankers, Russia has doubt fell in these ranks over the past year due to Europe’s search. other sources, and others probably benefited from it.

Zelensky meets non-EU countries in Davos to promote his peace plan

In Switzerland on Monday, the Ukrainian president also met with Argentine President Javier Milei to discuss joint efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace with Russia. Zelensky posted on Telegram:

“I had a good meeting with the Argentine president, Javier Milei. Thank you for your continued support of Ukraine. We talked about coordinating our efforts with our partners to achieve a just and lasting peace. We greatly appreciate Argentina’s complete understanding and willingness to help.

Zelensky also met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to discuss the two countries’ aspirations for European integration.