Today we analyze the first results of the Davos Economic Forum, where the spotlight was on meetings and talks between US, Ukraine, and Russian representatives. High interest surrounded the planned negotiations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, which included discussion of a potential $600 billion investment plan for Ukraine’s recovery.
However, uncertainty persisted from the outset: the absence of concrete agreements between the US and Ukraine and Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure led to changes in the leaders’ schedules. Zelensky was compelled to remain in Kyiv, postponing his meeting with Trump.
Simultaneously, consultations continued among US, Russian, and Ukrainian negotiators. The US representative Steve Withoff played a key role, holding separate talks with Ukrainian (Kyrylo Budanov) and Russian (Kirill Dmitriev) negotiators. Negotiations are expected to continue the following day with an in-person meeting between Trump and Zelensky in Davos.
Trump expressed readiness to reach a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, although there is skepticism about the credibility of messages conveyed via Russian intermediaries and about Putin’s willingness to compromise. Past joint proposals by Trump and Zelensky have reportedly been rejected by Putin.
Trump’s statement about seeking to acquire Greenland provoked debate, drawing comparisons to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and strong reactions from European and Russian leaders.
Attention also turned to the prospect of a new European defense alliance if NATO weakens, Canada’s active role, and the search by “middle powers” for alternatives to American dominance.
Despite expectations of sensationalism, Trump’s Davos speech aligned with his consistent ideological position, echoing some Kremlin rhetoric but underpinned by divergent geopolitical interests.
Experts highlight the crucial importance of diplomacy, professionalism, and the unity of European and Ukrainian efforts to tackle external challenges and find sustainable solutions amidst global turbulence.
