Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday to prepare for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Trump.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff also revealed on Thursday that significant progress has been made in peace talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with only “one final issue” remaining before reaching an agreement.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Witkoff said, “If both sides are committed to resolving this matter, we can get it done.”
He later added, “I believe we have made significant progress.”
According to the schedule, Zelensky is set to meet with Trump at 1:00 PM local time (7:00 AM Eastern Time), followed by a public speech at 2:30 PM.
In further efforts to solidify the negotiation outcomes, Witkoff will later fly to Moscow with another U.S. special envoy, Jared Kushner.
The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Putin is expected to meet with U.S. special envoys in Moscow on Thursday evening to discuss the peace proposal for the most devastating conflict in Europe since World War II.
Zelensky’s presence in Switzerland marks a major advancement in the peace talks. Earlier this week, he had announced his decision to stay in Kyiv due to an energy crisis caused by Russian airstrikes on power infrastructure, emphasizing that he would only attend the Davos Forum if a substantive agreement including security guarantees and post-war reconstruction funds is signed with Trump.
It is believed that Zelensky’s decision to travel indicates that an agreement may be close to fruition.
During the Davos conference, Trump also stated, “I think they’re at a stage where they can come together and make a deal.”
Trump bluntly remarked that it would be “foolish” if the Russian and Ukrainian leaders fail to sit down and reach an agreement.
Currently, the U.S. has discussed multiple draft proposals with Russian, Ukrainian, and European leaders. Although a formal agreement has not been reached, diplomatic efforts are in the final stages.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed support and confidence in the U.S.’s mediation efforts.
During a breakfast meeting with Witkoff, Rutte stated that he believes Trump is committed to upholding Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, saying, “I have never doubted this.”
He urged the international community to stay focused during this critical moment. Rutte remarked, “We need to keep our eyes on the ball in Ukraine, let’s not drop it.”