Trump Zelensky Davos Meeting 2026: Closing the 'Final Gap' for Peace

They've shaken hands, but one final piece of the puzzle remains missing. US President Donald Trump is set to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos on January 22, 2026. The stakes couldn't be higher as the world watches to see if a deal to end the war in Ukraine can finally be sealed.

Trump Zelensky Davos Meeting: Only 'One Issue' Left

US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed significant optimism ahead of the talks. "I think we've got it down to one issue... that means it's solvable," Witkoff stated before his scheduled trip to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin. While the specific issue wasn't named, recent negotiations have centered on the future of the Donbas region.

The proposed deal reportedly involves creating a demilitarized and free economic zone in the industrial heartland. In exchange, Kyiv would receive robust security guarantees. Trump has been vocal about his expectations, suggesting that both leaders would be "stupid" not to finalize a deal now.

The 'Thorny' Sticking Points

Zelensky, who traveled through the night to reach Davos despite severe power outages in Kyiv, noted that a 20-point US plan is 90% ready. However, the remaining 10% covers contentious territorial withdrawals and the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

• Territorial Withdrawal: Zelensky has offered to withdraw troops by up to 40km from the 25% of Donetsk still under his control, provided Russia does the same.
• Nuclear Safety: Future control over the Zaporizhzhia plant remains a major obstacle for Kyiv.

The Kremlin's stance remains guarded. Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions would continue but declined to share Witkoff's optimism. Meanwhile, Ukraine's team in Davos has been working behind the scenes with US counterparts to refine economic recovery and security documents.