Davos 2026: Ukraine Peace Negotiations Overshadowed by Greenland Dispute and NATO Tensions

The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, which convened on January 21, has become the stage for two diverging diplomatic narratives. While global leaders sought to advance a peaceful resolution to the four-year conflict in Ukraine, the proceedings were increasingly dominated by escalating American demands to acquire Greenland from Denmark. This convergence of issues highlights a period of intense transatlantic friction and a shifting geopolitical landscape that has fundamentally altered the priorities of the international community.

A pivotal moment in the efforts to de-escalate the Ukrainian crisis is scheduled for January 22, 2026, in Moscow. This high-stakes meeting will bring together U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, entrepreneur Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin to deliberate on a potential peace framework. Speaking on the sidelines of the Davos forum, Witkoff described the upcoming Moscow talks as a "significant statement" regarding Russia's willingness to engage in diplomacy. He further revealed that a 20-point ceasefire proposal is more than 90% finalized, although critical territorial disputes remain a major hurdle. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has officially confirmed that the meeting is on President Putin’s schedule.

Simultaneously, Donald Trump’s renewed insistence on immediate negotiations for the purchase of Greenland has ignited a severe transatlantic crisis. During his address in Davos on January 21, Trump asserted that the United States is the sole power capable of guaranteeing the island's security. While he clarified that he would not resort to military force for the acquisition, he issued a stern warning that a refusal would be "remembered." This rhetoric follows previous threats of imposing trade tariffs on Denmark and other European allies. In response, authorities in both Denmark and Greenland have reiterated their firm stance that the territory is not for sale and has no desire to join the United States.

The geopolitical repercussions of the Greenland demand were felt immediately across the alliance. Trump’s characterization of Europe as economically fragile and an excessive burden on NATO was interpreted as a direct form of diplomatic coercion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that such threats, particularly regarding tariffs, would fundamentally undermine transatlantic ties. Consequently, EU lawmakers have adopted a hardline position, suggesting a suspension of negotiations on a major trade agreement with the U.S. In a show of regional presence, NATO forces were deployed to Greenland under Operation "Arctic Endurance," a move some European leaders view as a counter-signal to American tariff threats. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced a reduction in its NATO commitments, further reflecting the growing rift.

These tensions have created a significant roadblock for international aid efforts. The ongoing dispute over Greenland has effectively stalled the approval of a previously drafted $800 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine, which required consensus between the U.S., Europe, and Kyiv. An anonymous high-ranking EU diplomat remarked that the "mood has shifted" and suggested that "Trump has crossed a line," causing the Greenland issue to eclipse the urgent needs of the Ukrainian conflict. Even Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was drawn into the fray, facing public criticism from Trump for "ingratitude" toward the United States. Ultimately, the 2026 Davos forum underscored a complex entanglement where the pursuit of peace in Ukraine is being hampered by aggressive American strategic interests in the Arctic.