US special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine have advanced significantly. He described the Ukraine-Russia peace talks as "down to one issue" during a Ukrainian event at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 18 January 2026. Witkoff expressed optimism, noting that discussions on variations of this issue indicate it is solvable if both sides commit.

He declined to provide specifics on the remaining issue when asked by AFP. Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, planned to travel to Moscow later that day for meetings, without an overnight stay, before proceeding to Abu Dhabi for military-to-military working groups.

Background and Next Steps

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted two primary sticking points in December 2025: the long-term status of territories captured by Russia and areas under Kyiv's control that Moscow demands, plus control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently occupied by Russian forces in southern Ukraine.

The Kremlin confirmed on 15 January 2026 that Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet Witkoff during the visit. Meanwhile, Trump and Zelensky scheduled a meeting in Davos on 18 January 2026. Trump reiterated his view that Putin and Zelensky are close to an agreement, stating after a speech: "I believe they're at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don't, they're stupid – that goes for both of them."

Recent Russian strikes, as of 15-18 January 2026, have disrupted power in Kyiv, leaving residents of 4,000 buildings without heat amid sub-zero temperatures.

Responses from Key Figures

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended Trump's initiatives in the Ukraine-Russia peace talks but emphasized continued military support for Ukraine.

He said: "What we need is to keep our eyes on the ball of Ukraine. Let's not drop that ball. And that means. Yes, great, peace talks. Fantastic. We will do everything to conclude them successfully but that will not happen tomorrow."

Rutte specifically called for interceptors to counter ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.