US President Donald Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos. They were joined by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, who seemed hopeful about resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Witkoff mentioned they’re close to settling one major issue, although he didn’t disclose what it is. Recent discussions have focused on the Donbas region, an area vital for Ukraine’s economy. The idea on the table involves creating a demilitarized zone in exchange for security assurances for Ukraine.
Trump expressed urgency, saying, “A lot of people are being killed; we’ve got to get it done.” He stated he believes that both sides are close to reaching an agreement. While he thinks Putin is open to negotiations, he feels Zelensky may not be as ready.
Before heading to Davos, Zelensky had been dealing with the fallout from recent Russian strikes on Kyiv’s power grid, which left many without heat, water, or electricity during a particularly harsh winter. Thousands of apartments are still without heating.
In their previous discussions, Zelensky spoke about a 20-point plan from the US that is nearly complete. He believes there’s a possibility for Ukraine to withdraw troops in exchange for similar actions from Russia, particularly in the Donetsk region, which Ukraine still controls partially.
Another major concern is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, captured by Russia in March 2022. This facility poses significant risks, and its future control remains a contentious point in the negotiations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing discussions with American envoys but refrained from commenting on Witkoff’s optimism. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s national security council chief, Rustem Umerov, reported that they covered economic recovery and security arrangements during their meetings in Davos.
As discussions progress, many hope for a breakthrough that could bring lasting peace to the region and secure essential support for Ukraine’s recovery. However, the realization of these plans relies on both sides’ willingness to compromise and cooperate.
For more detailed insights, you can reference the full report from the World Economic Forum.
