Has the Ukrainian issue taken a backseat? This question inevitably arose during the proceedings at the World Economic Forum in Davos where American President Donald Trump’s annexation plans for Greenland overshadowed peace efforts on the Ukrainian front. However, the US President’s decision to hold a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday signaled a new attempt to achieve peace. According to Politico, the US, Ukraine, and Europe have largely agreed on plans for security guarantees to Ukraine after reaching an agreement.
Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Thursday evening to determine whether the Kremlin would agree to the new arrangements and show more flexibility on the burning issue of territories. What role do Trump’s plans for Greenland play regarding the Russia-Ukraine issue? Will there be progress or sidetracking?
Greenland: How it affects peace talks on Ukraine
There are few indications that Russia has backed down from its demands, while European and Ukrainian officials expressed regret that Trump’s attempt to seize Greenland dominated the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Ukraine was expected to be the main topic of discussion.
“When Americans say they are threatened by Russia in Greenland, we answer them: okay, we understand your concern, but the best and most effective way would be to defeat Russia in Ukraine, where we have a front, our common front,” said Žygimantas Pavilionis, a Lithuanian MP who is a member of his country’s foreign affairs committee.
A European official, who asked not to be named, said there is “great disappointment and sadness” about the Greenland dispute, which has extended to discussions about how credible US efforts in Ukraine are.
“It’s not so much that Europe had to divert military resources to Greenland, because it’s a small amount. But the loss of faith and trust in the US is deep,” the official said. “So, until there are security guarantees for Ukraine that will be ratified by Congress, it will be difficult to take Trump’s promises or commitments seriously,” he added.
And it’s not clear whether this week’s meetings on Ukraine will bring new proposals beyond those already rejected by Russia. While Zelensky said he had a “good meeting” with Trump in Davos, he expressed regret that many issues seem to be stuck.
“Everyone remembers the wonderful American movie ‘Groundhog Day,’ but no one would want to live like that,” Zelensky said during his speech in Davos after his meeting with Trump. “Repeating the same thing for weeks, months and, of course, years. And yet, this is exactly how we live now,” the Ukrainian president added.
