News|Russia-Ukraine warUS, Russia envoys meet in Davos as Ukraine reconstruction plan postponedUS envoy Witkoff to meet Putin on Thursday, the Kremlin confirms, as the signing of an $800bn Ukraine deal is put on hold.
Representatives for the United States and Russia convened at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, amidst delays in signing an $800 billion "prosperity plan" due to geopolitical tensions.
Representatives for the United States and Russia convened at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, amidst delays in signing an $800 billion "prosperity plan" due to geopolitical tensions.
Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow will not comment on the Davos discussions but underscored the necessity of keeping informed about interactions involving the US, European leaders, and Ukraine.
The Russian state news agency TASS reported that a meeting took place between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, lasting over two hours on Tuesday. Witkoff later confirmed plans for further discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian representatives.
According to the Financial Times, tensions within the NATO alliance regarding the US's interest in Greenland have affected the Ukraine reconstruction plan, initially scheduled for signing in Davos. The plan, involving Ukraine, Europe, and the US, has not been abandoned and may be signed later.
Witkoff later confirmed plans for further discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian representatives.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on Ukraine's security during a panel discussion, warning against distractions from other geopolitical issues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would attend the Davos forum only if documents on security guarantees and the "prosperity plan" were prepared for signing. He remains in Kyiv to manage relief efforts as missile and drone attacks continue to affect Ukraine's infrastructure and energy systems.
Recent attacks have targeted cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, causing significant disruptions to power and water supplies amidst severe winter conditions.
Ukrainian officials reported casualties from recent attacks in Kryvyi Rih and confirmed ongoing retaliatory efforts, including drone strikes on Russian facilities.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
