Trump's Davos Gambit: New Peace Council & Moscow Talks

President Donald Trump arrived at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, delivering an evening address that immediately shifted the event's geopolitical landscape. His presence signaled a departure from traditional diplomatic norms, introducing a more confrontational approach toward long-standing allies.

The atmosphere at the forum transformed rapidly as the President outlined his administration's priorities. Key among these was the announcement of a new diplomatic initiative focused on the Middle East, alongside a firm stance on territorial disputes involving European partners.

The arrival of Donald Trump in Davos, where he will establish a 'Gaza Peace Council' and defend a hardline US course on Greenland and other contentious issues in relations with allies, fundamentally changes the atmosphere of the WEF.

During his visit, President Trump moved to establish the Gaza Peace Council. This new body represents a significant structural change in how the administration intends to address the long-standing conflict in the region. The creation of the council suggests a dedicated, high-level focus on mediating peace efforts.

The establishment of this council coincides with a broader recalibration of U.S. foreign policy. The administration is simultaneously pursuing a hardline course regarding Greenland, a topic that has created friction with European allies. This dual approach—creating peace initiatives while maintaining aggressive stances on territorial issues—defines the current strategy.

• Establishment of the Gaza Peace Council
• Hardline stance on Greenland disputes
• Reassessment of relations with European allies

The pivot in Washington's approach has had immediate consequences for the forum's agenda. A major casualty of this shift was the removal of Ukraine from the list of topics for discussion. This decision effectively canceled plans to address a massive financial support package for the country.

Specifically, the forum abandoned the discussion of a $800 billion plan intended to finance Ukraine. The removal of this item from the agenda underscores the depth of the change in transatlantic relations. The focus has moved away from collective European security concerns toward bilateral disputes and new diplomatic frameworks.

The cancellation highlights how the new U.S. posture is reshaping priorities. Where there was once consensus on supporting Ukraine financially, there is now a void, replaced by a focus on direct negotiations with other global powers.

The most significant diplomatic news emerging from Davos was the confirmation of a high-level U.S. delegation traveling to Moscow. Scheduled for January 22, the visit involves two of President Trump's closest associates. They are tasked with engaging directly with Russian leadership regarding the situation in Ukraine.

The delegation consists of Steven Witkoff, a special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the President's son-in-law. Their mission is to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This move represents a direct channel of communication, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels often utilized by the State Department.

• Steven Witkoff: Special envoy to the President
• Jared Kushner: Senior Advisor and son-in-law
• Objective: Negotiations regarding Ukraine
• Counterpart: President Vladimir Putin

The dispatch of Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow signals a preference for personal diplomacy over institutional processes. By sending trusted insiders, the administration aims to secure rapid progress on the Ukraine file. However, this approach also carries significant risks, given the complexity of the conflict.

The timing of the visit—immediately following the President's speech at the World Economic Forum—suggests a coordinated strategy. The administration appears to be using the global stage in Davos to announce major initiatives while simultaneously executing them on the ground. This creates a narrative of decisive action and momentum.

Observers are watching closely to see how European allies react to these developments. The combination of a new Gaza council, territorial disputes, and direct talks with Russia marks a distinct departure from the status quo.

The events of January 21 have set the stage for a volatile period in international diplomacy. The Gaza Peace Council is now established, and the Moscow delegation is en route. The coming days will reveal whether this new, direct approach yields tangible results or exacerbates existing tensions.

President Trump's visit to Davos has successfully reoriented the forum's focus. Instead of discussing financial aid packages for Ukraine, the world is now watching a high-stakes diplomatic maneuver involving key U.S. officials and the Kremlin. The outcome of the January 22 talks will likely define the trajectory of U.S.-Russia relations for the foreseeable future.