FT: The Situation In Davos Has Turned Around At The Last Moment With Great Luck For Ukraine
- 22.01.2026, 20:03
Against this background, Moscow's actions look increasingly desperate.
Donald Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on the potential terms of the Greenland deal was an unexpected turn for world politics. After weeks of harsh rhetoric, the US president effectively abandoned pressure on Europe and put the Ukrainian issue back at the center of the international agenda, writes Financial Times.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky flew to Davos on Thursday to meet with Trump. Trump said he was ready for a "framework agreement" on Greenland and simultaneously said he would not impose trade tariffs against European countries.
This dramatically reduced tensions between the US and the EU, but embarrassed Russia.
Ukraine is returning to the negotiating center
With these statements as a backdrop, Zelensky arrived in Davos. His visit signaled that Ukraine is once again seen as a key player in future agreements, not a secondary topic. According to Reuters, Trump has already announced a personal meeting with Zelensky and said that "the moment for an agreement is near."
At the same time, he emphasized that it is up to Ukraine and Russia to make a move, but if they don't, "they're just being stupid."
Europe is nervous, but Ukraine is a priority
Trump's dramatic change in rhetoric has caused confusion in European capitals. As the Financial Times notes, EU leaders do not understand how sustainable Washington's new stance will be.
But NATO chief Mark Rutte has made it clear: the number one priority is Ukraine. European diplomats recognize that Trump is acting pragmatically and trying to play on divisions within the EU, but he is not abandoning his support for Kiev.
With this background, Moscow's actions look increasingly desperate. Putin said he was "ready to consider participation" in the Peace Council created by Trump and even offered to channel funds from frozen Russian assets there. However, these words did not provoke a serious reaction.
More importantly, the Peace Council itself included mostly Middle Eastern countries and several authoritarian regimes without key European powers. In fact, Russia has once again found itself in isolation, trying to pose as a peacemaker while continuing the war, experts say.