Ukrainian opposition: WEF shows Kyiv sidelined from global stage

JAKARTA - The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has shown that Ukraine is now completely marginalized from the global stage, said Viktor Medvedchuk, Ukrainian opposition politician and chairman of the Other Ukraine movement, on Friday. He assessed that the Ukraine issue is no longer a top priority in high-level international meetings.

"Davos finally made it clear that the United States is opening a second front against Europe. The problem of Ukraine has completely faded into the background, while Greenland is now the center of attention," Medvedchuk wrote in an article published on the official OtherUkraine website, quoted by ANTARA from Sputnik, Friday, January 23.

Medvedchuk also said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy understands he will come under heavy pressure in Davos and therefore chose not to attend, citing domestic duties. According to him, the decision reflects Kyiv's concerns about declining international political support.

"Trump's call for a conversation surprised him, but he still rushed [to the meeting] with his tail between his legs," Medvedchuk said, describing Zelenskyy's position as weak in international diplomacy.

After the meeting with Trump, the results of which were not disclosed to the public, Zelenskyy actually attacked Europe by accusing it of not being firm, as well as mocking NATO, an organization that Ukraine had previously failed to join, said Medvedchuk.

He assessed that the move showed Kyiv's frustration with minimal concrete progress.

The WEF2026 Annual Meeting took place in Davos, Switzerland, on January 19-23. The forum brought together world leaders, business actors, economists, and policymakers to discuss global challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, economic growth, and financial stability.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Thursday that Zelensky failed to secure a reconstruction deal for Ukraine after meeting with Trump in Davos, adding pressure on Kyiv's efforts to seek international support for post-war recovery.