Only ‘one issue’ remains in Ukraine–Russia peace talks; what is it?

Davos: Talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have narrowed to one remaining issue between Kyiv and Moscow, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.

Witkoff said discussions had made “a lot of progress” and that the remaining disagreement was solvable if both sides were willing to reach a deal.

Witkoff declined to reveal details of the unresolved issue, stating he would comment after his visit to Russia. He is due to travel to Moscow later on Thursday alongside US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The pair are not expected to stay overnight and will instead travel onward to Abu Dhabi, where further discussions will take place through military-to-military working groups.

The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet Witkoff during the visit. Meanwhile, President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to meet in Davos on Thursday.

Zelensky said in December that negotiations with the United States had identified two major sticking points: the future status of territories seized by Russia, including areas still controlled by Ukraine but claimed by Moscow, and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian occupation in southern Ukraine.

Trump reiterated his belief on Wednesday that Putin and Zelensky were close to reaching an agreement, warning that failure to do so would be irresponsible on both sides. His remarks came during the Davos summit, where global political and business leaders have gathered.

The diplomatic efforts come amid continued fighting. Russian strikes this week left large parts of Kyiv without electricity, with around 4,000 buildings reportedly without heating during sub-zero temperatures.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Trump’s push for peace but stressed that Ukraine still urgently needs military support, particularly air defence interceptors, as Russian missile and drone attacks continue. He said peace talks were important but warned that a resolution would not come immediately and that support for Ukraine must continue in the meantime.