High-level discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are set to continue this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The talks will involve delegations from the United States and Ukraine, following initial negotiations held in Florida over the weekend.
Key Figures Gather for Critical Negotiations
The American delegation for the Davos talks will be led by Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Both played central roles in the preliminary discussions in Florida. The summit, which commences today, Monday 19 January 2026, will also be attended by both US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Despite their concurrent presence at the prestigious forum, the White House has indicated that there are currently no scheduled plans for a direct, one-on-one meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky. This suggests the diplomatic heavy lifting will be conducted primarily through their appointed envoys.
Zelensky's Stance on Russian Intentions
In comments made ahead of the summit, President Zelensky struck a cautious tone regarding the prospects for peace. He directly linked ongoing Russian military actions to a perceived lack of interest in genuine negotiations from Moscow.
Zelensky highlighted the continuous efforts to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure damaged by recent Russian strikes. He asserted that these sustained attacks serve as clear evidence that Vladimir Putin's regime is not prioritising a peaceful diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The Path Forward from Davos
The move of negotiations to the global stage of the World Economic Forum underscores the international dimension of the Ukraine crisis. Davos provides a neutral venue where behind-the-scenes diplomacy can occur alongside the main forum events.
Analysts will be watching closely to see if the talks in Switzerland can build tangible momentum from the Florida discussions. The involvement of high-profile Trump confidants like Kushner and Witkoff signals a direct channel to the US President, but Zelensky's public scepticism about Russian motives casts a shadow over the proceedings. The outcome of this week's dialogue could significantly influence the next phase of this protracted war.
