On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held a meeting. The main topic of discussion was the possibility of reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia — an agreement that the international community has been discussing for several years but has yet to be formalized in a document.

Donald Trump, speaking at the forum, stated that a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow is “within reach”, and that the parties are “quite close” to a deal. He emphasized that it would be “a disgrace” if an agreement is not reached, given the scale of human losses and destruction.

Donald Trump: “If peace can be achieved, and the parties are close to an agreement, then not doing it would be a disgrace. People are dying, cities are collapsing, and the peace process must be completed”.

At the same time, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the negotiations have “come down to one key issue” that remains unresolved. According to him, he is heading to Moscow the same day to continue consultations.

Steve Witkoff: “We have made significant progress, but there is one issue that we still cannot agree on. I am going to Moscow to continue negotiations and try to close this gap”.

It seems that this “final issue” is the point around which the entire conflict potential accumulates. Experts name several most likely problematic topics:

• The territorial status of disputed regions and the mechanism of control over them.
• Security guarantees for Ukraine, including its future course and relations with NATO.
• Mechanisms for the reconstruction of destroyed territories and the possible use of frozen Russian assets.
• The format and timing of the ceasefire, as well as control over the implementation of the agreements.

Volodymyr Zelensky: “We are ready for negotiations and compromises, but we are not ready for peace at any cost. Ukraine’s security is not a subject for bargaining”.

Davos is not just an economic forum, but a place where leaders meet and decisions are made that subsequently affect world politics. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Davos 2026 has become one of the rare platforms where key players are present at the same time and scenarios for ending the conflict are discussed.

In this process, the United States acts as a de facto mediator, which not only exerts pressure on the parties but also tries to offer a package of guarantees acceptable to all. At the same time, NATO and the EU remain in a position where they must support Ukraine but avoid escalation.

Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO: “We must continue to support Ukraine and keep the focus on its security. Peace is important, but it must not be achieved at the cost of its future”.

For Kyiv, the main risk is that the “peace plan” may be adopted without taking into account key national interests, particularly security and territorial integrity. The Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly stated that it is ready for compromises but not for a “peace agreement at any cost”.

Volodymyr Zelensky: “We cannot sign an agreement that would threaten the future of our state. Peace is not only a cessation of hostilities but also a guarantee of security for decades”.

For Moscow, the prospect of a peace agreement may be beneficial as a way to legitimize the positions it has achieved and to secure the lifting of some sanctions, but it also carries the risk of political and economic isolation if the conditions are too harsh. Therefore, Russia is likely to seek an agreement that consolidates its gains without further pressure.

The United States is interested in ending the war for several reasons:

• The costs of supporting Ukraine are rising, and public opinion at home may change.
• Geopolitical risks: the conflict diverts resources from other regions.
• The role of the US as a global leader: successfully ending the conflict would enhance Washington’s status as a peacemaker.

Donald Trump: “America must be at the center of peace. We can help the parties reach an agreement, but for that, political will from all participants is needed”.

While diplomacy is intensifying, military actions continue. Destruction and humanitarian problems persist in Ukraine, increasing pressure on the country’s leadership and raising public demand for a swift end to the war.

According to Witkoff, new negotiations in Moscow may take place in the coming days and could be decisive. If the “final issue” can be agreed upon, it could open the way to signing an agreement in the coming months.

Alongside diplomacy, hostilities and the everyday consequences of war continue. In the Ukrainian capital, for example, utilities are restoring heating after shelling — earlier in the week, thousands of homes remained without heat. This serves as a reminder that any delay in negotiations means more human casualties and destruction. Today, additional meetings between US and Russian representatives are scheduled in Moscow, which could become a decisive stage. If the “final issue” is agreed upon, it will open the way to a full agreement.

#USA

#UKRAINE

22.01.2026 01:59