By Jonathan Ferreira
US President Donald Trump is due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos as fresh efforts continue to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. The meeting follows comments from US envoy Steve Witkoff who said negotiations had been narrowed down to a single unresolved issue and that a solution was achievable. While he did not specify the issue it is believed discussions have focused on the future of the Donbas region and possible arrangements involving demilitarisation economic cooperation and security guarantees for Ukraine. Witkoff said that if both sides were committed a deal could be reached.
The talks come amid renewed diplomatic activity involving Moscow with Witkoff expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days. Trump has said he believes both leaders are close to reaching an agreement and has expressed frustration at delays in finalising a deal. Zelensky arrived in Davos after travelling overnight having earlier postponed the trip to deal with Russian strikes on Kyiv infrastructure that left thousands without heating power or water during winter conditions. Despite concerns that other geopolitical disputes may have distracted Washington Ukraine has continued to push for progress.
Zelensky has previously said a US backed plan to end the war is close to completion, but key disagreements remain particularly over eastern Ukraine and control of major infrastructure including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. He has proposed limited troop withdrawals in parts of Donetsk to create an economic zone if Russia mirrors the move. Ukrainian officials in Davos have also been discussing post war recovery economic development and long term security guarantees with American counterparts. Although Zelensky had hoped to sign key documents with Trump during the forum it remains unclear whether any agreements will be finalized during their meeting.
