At the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a clear message: the war in Ukraine needs to come to an end. His remarks followed a roughly hour-long meeting on January 22, 2026, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as global leaders continue efforts to find a diplomatic way out of a conflict now in its fourth year.
Trump described the conversation with Zelenskyy as “good” but gave few specific details about what was agreed. When asked what he planned to tell Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump replied simply, “The war has to end.” This message sets the tone for upcoming talks between U.S. envoys and Putin aimed at advancing peace discussions.
Both sides have been engaged in intense “shuttle diplomacy,” meaning officials regularly travel between capitals to try to bring the parties closer to a deal. After Davos, U.S. representatives, including envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, were expected in Moscow to meet with Putin and continue negotiations. They were then to head to Abu Dhabi for further discussions on military cooperation and post-war rebuilding efforts.
Zelenskyy traveled to Davos under difficult circumstances. Back home in Ukraine, Russian airstrikes continued to damage energy infrastructure, leaving many without power or heating during winter. In some cities like Odessa and Kryvyi Rih, strikes caused casualties, highlighting the grim reality on the ground even as leaders talked about peace.
The diplomatic push comes as global markets reacted positively to the flurry of talks. Ukrainian international bonds rallied, rising more than two cents, as investors warmed to the idea that progress toward peace could ease economic uncertainty.
Despite Trump’s message and the ongoing negotiations, experts say a final peace deal remains uncertain. Russia has been hesitant to endorse terms that do not involve territorial concessions, and Ukraine’s leaders have emphasized they will not give up sovereignty. Talks are ongoing, and both sides face serious sticking points.
Still, the exchange in Davos and Trump’s public appeal to Putin to end the conflict signal a continued diplomatic effort, one that reflects international concern about the human and economic toll of the war. World leaders, including those in the U.S. and Europe, are watching closely as negotiations evolve, hoping for a peaceful resolution but preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
