KIEV – Following a last-minute effort to reach Switzerland for a meeting with former President Donald Trump, which nearly fell through, the two leaders held a conversation in Davos lasting approximately an hour, according to a Ukrainian representative who described the discussion as “positive.”
The gathering remained off-limits to journalists, and no comments were made following the session. However, as he exited, Trump informed reporters, “The discussion with President Zelensky went well; we still have some distance to cover.” He mentioned that the communication from his representatives to Russian leader Vladimir Putin later this evening in Moscow would emphasize “that the conflict needs to come to an end.”
At first, the meeting caught Kyiv off guard. During an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Trump stated his intention to meet with Zelensky that same day, mentioning he could possibly “attend as an observer” – despite the fact that Zelensky remained in Kyiv, where temperatures remain significantly below zero and tens of thousands of high-rise structures lack electricity or heating due to ongoing attacks on the power infrastructure by Russia.
The event had already started when Zelensky said on Tuesday to journalists that he was “supporting Ukraine, not an economic conference,” which lowered expectations that a private discussion could result in agreements regarding security assurances and economic rebuilding after the war. Authorities had suggested that both nations were near finalizing details—until Trump shifted attention toward Greenland, causing delays. Zelensky voiced his backing for Denmark’s independence.
Later, Trump suddenly stated on Wednesday that both parties were “fairly close.”
I think they’re at a stage where they can unite and finalize an agreement,” Trump stated. “And if they don’t, they’re foolish.
Trump stated, “It’s a really tough equilibrium,” noting, “frequently we reach an agreement with Russia. Russia is ready, but President Zelensky won’t go along… and later, President Zelensky desires to strike a deal, yet Putin isn’t interested in making one.”
Although the White House showed hope, the two parties still seem to have significant differences in their discussions. At a press briefing
Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
raised doubts about any agreement that permitted the ongoing survival of the present Ukrainian administration.
“Any plan for an agreement based on the main aim of maintaining the present Nazi government within the remaining part of the Ukrainian country is, obviously, entirely unacceptable to us,” he stated.
When Zelensky arrived in Switzerland on Thursday, White House representative Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner—who had spoken with top Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov during the event—were getting ready to travel to Moscow for a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Speaking at the forum’s
Ukrainian Breakfast
On Thursday morning, Witkoff stated that he was “encouraged” and referred to the Ukrainian population as “extremely brave in this struggle … despite very challenging circumstances.”
I believe we’ve narrowed it down to one key issue, which we’ve talked about multiple times,” Witkoff stated, seemingly referring to territory concessions, one of the most disputed elements in the talks and a non-negotiable point for Ukraine. “This indicates it can be resolved. Therefore, if both parties aim to resolve this, we will succeed; that’s my perspective.
Earlier encounters between Witkoff and Putin have extended for several hours and may carry over into early Friday morning, although Witkoff mentioned he won’t stay overnight and plans to travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, afterwards.
The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, did not provide a response regarding whether the Kremlin agreed with Witkoff’s positive outlook that an agreement was near. During a press briefing, Putin mentioned he would also address Russia’s role in Trump’s Council for Peace alongside Witkoff and Kushner.
While global leaders gathered in Davos, taking in scenic mountain vistas, staying in luxurious accommodations, and relaxing near warm fires, Ukraine faced severe challenges as its power network was still damaged during one of the most frigid winters in recent memory. With no electricity, numerous people found themselves in cafes and eateries powered only by backup generators. Meanwhile, outside, layers of ice covered roads and walkways. Thousands of apartment windows stayed unlit.
Robyn Dixon and Natalia Abbakumova based in Riga, Latvia, along with Kostiantyn Khudov from Kyiv, assisted in preparing this report.
