Russia and Ukraine hold separate diplomatic talks in Davos

Diplomatic activity regarding the Ukraine war saw parallel tracks emerge at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Russian and Ukrainian delegations held separate meetings with American and European officials, respectively, each side reporting progress while highlighting the deep challenges that remain in achieving a settlement.

Russian Encounters with US Advisers

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for over two hours at the U.S. House in Davos. Following the discussion, Dmitriev described the talks as "constructive," claiming, "More and more people are realizing the correctness of the Russian position." Witkoff echoed a positive tone, stating the contacts were "very positive." These talks are part of a discreet channel fostered by the Trump administration, which emphasizes U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv and greater European burden-sharing while deferring decisions on occupied territories.

Ukrainian Coordination with European Allies

Simultaneously, Ukrainian officials engaged with European partners. Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, posted on Telegram that he, alongside intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov and lawmaker David Arakhamia, met with the national security advisers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The aim was to synchronize approaches on security guarantees and diplomatic efforts. Umerov noted that subsequent meetings would cover security, economic development, and reconstruction. Budanov expressed "cautious optimism" but tempered expectations, stating, "peace will not come tomorrow," and noting the process heavily depends on Russia's stance.

Context of the Davos Forum and Broader Strategy

The World Economic Forum's annual meeting serves as a major venue for informal high-level diplomacy. The separate engagements reflect the current fragmented state of peace efforts: a U.S.-Russia track operating alongside a solidified Ukraine-Europe coordination mechanism. This dynamic underscores the complex diplomatic landscape, where bilateral talks between Washington and Moscow proceed in tandem with efforts to bolster Kyiv's position through Western security commitments, all while the fundamental issues of territorial control and future security architecture remain unresolved.