• US envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Putin in Moscow for pivotal negotiations on Ukraine peace.
• Witkoff expresses optimism, stating talks are down to one final issue.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky meets Trump at the World Economic Forum to address security guarantees.
• The negotiations may significantly impact Ukraine's territorial status and security assurances.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday. This meeting marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, with Witkoff indicating that "a lot of progress" has been achieved and that negotiations are narrowed down to one final issue, which he believes is solvable. This optimistic sentiment was shared during his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this week, where he also mentioned his plans to consult with Ukrainian officials before heading to Moscow, according to SCMP and AA.

In anticipation of Witkoff's visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Davos to meet with US President Donald Trump. This meeting aims to address critical issues surrounding the ongoing conflict, including security guarantees and potential post-war reconstruction aid for Ukraine. Following recent heavy Russian missile strikes, which have left many buildings in Kyiv without power during harsh winter conditions, Zelensky expressed urgency in securing these agreements, as outlined in discussions during the World Economic Forum, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

The focus of the negotiations appears to center on the future status of the Donbas region, which is critical to both sides. Witkoff mentioned that past conversations have now appeared to hinge on just one key issue, quoting that "If both sides want to solve this, we’re going to get it solved." The uncertainty surrounding this crucial sticking point remains, as both Ukrainian and Russian officials have previously voiced contrasting positions on territorial control and military presence. Kremin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the ongoing discussions while refraining from confirming Witkoff's optimism regarding a prompt resolution, as reported by SCMP and AA.

As Zelensky awaits his meeting with Trump, he has emphasized the importance of security arrangements and economic plans for Ukraine’s future. The recent Russian military offensive has highlighted the dire conditions faced by many Ukrainians, contributing to the urgency of these diplomatic efforts. Witkoff's planned talks with Putin in Moscow also indicate a continuing commitment to engage in discussions that could bring an end to nearly four years of conflict, while NATO has stressed the need for ongoing military support to Ukraine, as mentioned in the discussions leading up to the congress of world leaders, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.