Steve Witkoff at Davos: Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Near Breakthrough with 'One Last Issue' Remaining

It's down to one last issue. On January 22, 2026, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff sent a wave of optimism through the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. He claimed that after years of conflict, Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations have made "a lot of progress" and a resolution is finally within reach.

Steve Witkoff and Kushner's Diplomatic Sprint to Moscow

The diplomatic engine is revving up. Witkoff is heading to Moscow alongside Jared Kushner to meet with Vladimir Putin. While the Kremlin remains cautious, spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the efforts. The pair doesn't plan to stay overnight; they'll fly directly to Abu Dhabi to continue "military to military" technical talks, signaling that the dialogue has moved beyond mere rhetoric.

Trump and Zelenskyy Face-Off in the Swiss Alps

The stakes couldn't be higher for the meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled for 12:00 GMT. Zelenskyy has been clear: he'll only sign if he gets rock-solid security guarantees and funding for reconstruction. The "last issue" Witkoff mentioned likely involves the fate of occupied territories and the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

The Sharp Contrast of Peace Talks and Frozen Trenches

While Davos buzzes with talk of a deal, the reality on the ground is grim. Russian strikes have left over 3,000 buildings in Kyiv without heat in sub-zero temperatures. A drone attack in Odesa claimed the life of a 17-year-old this week. NATO chief Mark Rutte warned that while peace talks are "fantastic," Ukraine shouldn't be left without military support as long as the attacks continue.