At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump commented on ongoing efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, announcing that he planned to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later in the day and urging both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a negotiated settlement.
Trump said, “I’m going to meet with Zelensky later today. I believe they’re at a point where they can come together and get a deal done.” He added bluntly, “And if they don’t, they’re stupid. That goes for both of them. And I know they’re not stupid — but if they don’t get this done, they are stupid.”
Trump on Putin and Zelensky:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 21, 2026
I’m going to meet with Zelensky later today. I believe they’re at a point where they can come together and get a deal done.
And if they don’t, they’re stupid. That goes for both of them. And I know they’re not stupid — but if they don’t get this… pic.twitter.com/fjJjkL6Ie6
Trump’s remarks came as Ukraine continues to endure daily attacks from Russian forces, including drone and missile strikes targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas. Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine is not obstructing diplomacy, warning that Russian attacks are undermining negotiations and eroding faith in the peace process. In a recent address, Zelensky said, “Ukraine has never been and will never be a roadblock to peace, and it is now up to our partners to determine whether diplomacy moves forward.”
The Ukrainian delegation is already in the United States. Their main task is to present the full and accurate picture of what Russian strikes are causing.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 17, 2026
Among the consequences of this terror is the discrediting of the diplomatic process: people lose faith in diplomacy, and… pic.twitter.com/FvMtNxAFyJ
According to Zelenskyy, ongoing strikes have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without electricity or heating, particularly in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and surrounding regions. Despite these conditions, repair crews continue to work around the clock, and the Ukrainian government has implemented measures to increase electricity imports, while deploying additional support points and resources to affected communities.
Zelensky has also underscored the importance of international cooperation, highlighting the work of Ukrainian delegations in the United States meeting with officials to provide a comprehensive overview of Russian attacks. “Among the consequences of this terror is the discrediting of the diplomatic process,” he said, urging global partners to maintain pressure on Moscow.
Trump’s statements in Davos positioned him as an active interlocutor in the conflict, publicly urging both leaders to negotiate while emphasizing the potential consequences of failing to do so. By framing the negotiations as achievable and insisting that inaction would reflect poorly on both sides, Trump highlighted the United States’ ongoing influence in the diplomatic process, even as Ukraine contends with significant humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, stressed the resilience of Ukrainian forces and the critical role of international support in sustaining the country’s defense and recovery efforts. “I thank everyone who works so that our Ukraine lives,” he said, closing with the traditional salute, “Glory to Ukraine!”
