On January 22, an unexpected meeting took place in Davos between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump. The meeting was not originally on the agenda: it was planned, then canceled by the US after Ukraine hesitated about joining the Peace Council initiative.
Experts note that this year, attention in Davos was not limited to official political meetings but also focused on networking with business representatives. The Ukrainian delegation presented projects in defense and economic cooperation and emphasized the need for investments in reconstruction and other sectors.
Political analyst Maksym Nesvytailov suggests the meeting with Trump will not yield significant results and is more symbolic—“the main thing is that it doesn't get worse.” However, maintaining dialogue with the US remains critical for Ukraine, even as dependence on American aid has partly diminished.
The creation of a free economic zone in Donbas and the fate of Russia’s frozen assets were also discussed. Russia may use these funds as a precedent for future international financial decisions. At the same time, experts are skeptical about realistically launching such an economic zone, given the severe ecological crisis and widespread landmines in the region.
As for the Peace Council promoted by Trump, there is an opinion that this body might become an alternative to the UN, but its true international influence is questionable. For some countries, participation is more symbolic or lobbying, with Trump as the main possible beneficiary.
The Greenland issue was also raised: experts do not see a multilayered strategic plan in Trump’s approach, considering his actions mostly political pressure or an attempt to present a victory to his US supporters. Maintaining contact with partners is crucial for the US amid domestic and international uncertainties.
Summing up, the discussants emphasized the importance of upcoming developments in Davos regarding the Peace Council and Western policy toward Ukraine and Russia. They noted that the current dynamics primarily highlight the weakness of international structures and the uncertainty of their real ability to resolve conflicts.
