United States envoy Steve Witkoff said substantial progress has been made in negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, adding that discussions now hinge on just one unresolved point.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Witkoff told attendees that the remaining issue had been debated in multiple forms, suggesting it could still be resolved.
“If both sides want a solution, then it’s achievable,” he said.
Diplomatic Push Continues Across Capitals
Witkoff said he was travelling to Moscow later in the day alongside Jared Kushner, a senior adviser and relative of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The pair are not expected to remain in Moscow overnight and will instead continue to Abu Dhabi, where further discussions are planned through military-level working groups.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts but stopped short of endorsing his optimism that an agreement is near. Earlier in the week, the Kremlin said Vladimir Putin would meet Witkoff during the visit.
Zelenskyy Meets Trump in Davos
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Davos for talks with Trump. His spokesperson, Sergii Nykyforov, said Zelenskyy was scheduled to address the forum following the meeting.
Zelenskyy had previously indicated he would only attend the summit if there was a realistic chance of signing an agreement with Washington that included security guarantees and funding for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Key Issues Still Unresolved
While Witkoff did not specify the final sticking point, Zelenskyy has said the most contentious matters include the future of territory occupied by Russian forces, areas still controlled by Kyiv but claimed by Moscow, and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian occupation.
Trump reiterated on Wednesday his belief that both leaders were close to reaching a deal, repeating his view after addressing the Davos gathering that the opportunity for an agreement was within reach.
NATO Urges Continued Support for Ukraine
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no final agreement has yet been secured. The United States has held separate discussions with Russia, Ukraine and European leaders on various proposals, though progress has been uneven.
Mark Rutte, secretary-general of NATO, praised Trump’s push for peace but stressed that Ukraine continues to need military assistance as Russian missile and drone attacks persist.
He said peace negotiations were important but warned against losing focus on Ukraine’s immediate security needs.
Attacks Continue as Talks Progress
The diplomatic push comes amid renewed Russian strikes. Large parts of Kyiv were left without electricity this week, with thousands of buildings also losing heat during sub-zero temperatures.
In the southern port city of Odesa, regional governor Oleh Kiper said a drone attack overnight struck a residential building, killing a 17-year-old.