Axios Claims Putin Envoy to Meet US Officials at Davos Amid Ukraine Talks
Backchannel meeting reported between Kirill Dmitriev, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner during WEF
Russia | PUREWILAYAH.COM - Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev is expected to meet US officials on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, according to Western media reports, as diplomatic contacts over the Ukraine conflict continue outside formal NATO channels.
Axios correspondent Barak Ravid reported that Dmitriev will hold talks with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, in Switzerland. The discussions are reportedly focused on Trump’s proposed plan to settle the Ukraine conflict.
Reuters, citing informed sources, separately confirmed that Dmitriev is scheduled to meet the US delegation during the Davos gathering.
Russia Formally Barred From WEF
The Russian Embassy in Switzerland said last week that it had not received any official invitations for Russian officials, business representatives, or journalists to attend the WEF.
Russia has been barred from the forum since the escalation of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev in 2022. Despite the exclusion, diplomatic contacts have continued through informal channels.
Dmitriev has made several visits to the United States since Trump returned to office, holding discussions on restoring bilateral communication and addressing the conflict in Ukraine.
His most recent visit took place in December, when he held two days of talks with Witkoff and Kushner. Both sides described those discussions as constructive.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week that Moscow is expecting another visit by Witkoff and Kushner, though no date has been set. Bloomberg previously reported that such a trip could take place this month.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that President Vladimir Putin met Witkoff six times in 2025.
Parallel US–Ukraine Talks
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said on Sunday that talks with US officials on a diplomatic settlement would continue during the WEF, which runs from Monday to Friday.
President Donald Trump, who addressed the forum via video link in 2025, is expected to attend the event in person this year.
Last week, Trump said that he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delayed progress toward a settlement, adding that Russia is ready to make a deal.
In a recent address to foreign ambassadors, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow seeks a lasting and sustainable peace but warned that Russia is capable of achieving its objectives through military means if diplomacy is rejected. (PW)