Europe cannot afford to be second or third in line behind its allies, it needs to fight for the first place in priorities, alliances and technological development, said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos (Switzerland) on Tuesday.

"Europe cannot afford to be second or third in line behind its allies. If this happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe, and such a world will not be comfortable or beneficial for Europeans. Europe needs to fight for the first place in priorities, alliances and technological development. We are at another turning point, which some consider a problem for Europe, while others consider a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player," Zelenskyy said.

The Head of the Ukrainian state noted that all attention is now focused on Washington, since the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump took place 20 hours ago. "And now everyone is waiting to see what he will do next. His first orders have already demonstrated clear priorities," Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that most of the world is now thinking about what will happen to their relations with the United States, support, and how Trump plans to end wars, but no one is asking similar questions about Europe. "During the war, everyone is worried - will the United States stay with them? Every ally is worried about this. But is anyone in the United States worried that Europe might one day abandon them - cease to be their ally? The answer is no. Washington does not believe that Europe can bring them something really important," Zelenskyy said.