Trump exposes the deadlock between Putin and Zelensky, Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations stuck on land issues

January 22 News, U.S. President Donald Trump stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that there is an “extraordinary hatred” between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, which is a key obstacle to ending the Russia-Ukraine war and reaching a peace agreement. However, he believes both sides actually want a ceasefire and said negotiations are “quite close” to a breakthrough.

Trump pointed out that the deep opposition between Zelensky (Volodymyr Zelenskyy) and Putin (Vladimir Putin) is unfavorable for reconciliation, but nonetheless, the U.S. will resume its role as a key mediator to push the Russia-Ukraine peace talks into a substantive phase. He also revealed that he will meet with Zelenskyy in Davos, while his envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will go to Moscow for talks with Putin, aiming to finalize key details.

Witkoff told the media that the biggest current disagreement centers on the “land arrangements” related to Ukraine, which is the last piece of the puzzle to end the nearly four-year-long Russia-Ukraine war. He further emphasized in Davos that as long as both sides are willing, this issue can be resolved.

However, many European countries remain cautious about the U.S.-led Russia-Ukraine peace process. Although Kyiv has sought European support to avoid concessions on ceasefire conditions, the current negotiation framework is mainly driven by the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, with Europe marginalized. Polish President Karol Nawrocki warned that even if an agreement is signed, Russia could rebuild its military in the coming years and pose a threat to Europe again. Therefore, continuous increases in defense spending and infrastructure strengthening are necessary.

Trump also reiterated his criticism of NATO defense spending in Davos, believing that the U.S. has borne too much of the burden for a long time, and emphasized that without U.S. intervention, Putin might “take an inch and want a foot.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb responded that Finland, as a new NATO member with a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia and long-term defense experience, is working with allies to safeguard the security of Europe and the United States.

As U.S. mediation, the Russia-Ukraine game, and European security anxieties intertwine, the situation in Ukraine in 2026, the prospects for a ceasefire, and Trump-led peace negotiations are becoming central focuses of global geopolitical and market attention.