53 minutes ago
After almost two years of war, Ukraine casts a long shadow over Davos this year
Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are likely to cast a long shadow over the World Economic Forum, which takes place this week in Davos, Switzerland.
Global business and political leaders and officials are expected to focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as the second anniversary approaches and a political solution seems a distant prospect. ing.
Firefighters carry stretchers for the injured after a rocket attack on a hotel in Kharkiv, Ukraine, January 10, 2024. On the night of January 10, Russia launched a missile attack on Kharkov. Rockets hit a local hotel, injuring at least 10 people, including a foreign journalist. (Photo by Pablo Pahomenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Null Photo | Null Photo | Getty Images
“Rebuilding trust” is the main theme of the 54th Annual Economic Forum, which will be held from January 15th to 19th. In addition to war, global trade, inflation, supply chains, and technological innovation are expected to be high on the agenda.
Perhaps the most prominent politicians expected to attend are Li Qiang, China’s deputy commander, and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom are expected to give special speeches.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his delegation will also be in attendance, seeking to galvanize aid to the country at a time when the outlook for ongoing international aid looks uncertain.
Ukraine will hold a “Ukraine House Davos” at the WEF, hosting speakers and events aimed at keeping the war and Kiev’s needs in the spotlight.
— Holly Ellyatt
1 hour ago
United Nations requests $4.2 billion to help war-torn Ukraine and refugees
The United Nations and its partners on Monday called on donors to commit a total of $4.2 billion to support Ukraine’s war-torn communities and Ukrainian refugees in 2024.
“Hundreds of thousands of children live in their communities, terrorized and traumatized on the front lines of war, and deprived of their basic needs,” said UN aid chief Martin Griffiths.
“That fact alone should compel us to do everything we can to bring more humanitarian aid to Ukraine.”
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that more than 14.6 million people, or 40% of Ukraine’s population, will need humanitarian assistance this year due to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
More than 3.3 million people in need live in frontline communities in the east and south of the country, including Russian-occupied territories, and access remains “severely hampered,” OCHA said.
As part of the appeal, OCHA is seeking $3.1 billion to help 8.5 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. The United Nations refugee agency is seeking $1.1 billion to support 2.3 million Ukrainian refugees and their host communities.
Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine pass through Lviv on their way to Poland.
Dan Kitwood | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The Russian invasion that began in February 2022 has forced approximately 6.3 million people to flee the country. According to OCHA, 4 million people remain displaced in the country, including nearly 1 million children.
“While host countries continue to extend protection and acceptance into society, many vulnerable refugees remain in need of support,” said Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“No one should be forced to return home just because they cannot live in exile.”
— Reuters
56 minutes ago
Why peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are not possible at the moment
Political and military experts stress that most wars end with some form of diplomacy and negotiation, ultimately leading to a political solution whether the participants like it or not. However, neither Russia nor Ukraine appear to be at a stage where a political solution is acceptable.
This is especially true as Ukraine continues to receive international military aid, heavy fighting continues in the country’s south and east, Russian troops are deeply entrenched, and Ukrainian forces make significant advances. It is not only impeding Russia’s progress, but it is also impeding Russia’s attempts to advance.
“We don’t want to come to the negotiating table without having an advantage in the conflict,” retired Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Twitty, former deputy commander of U.S. European Command, told CNBC.
“Because if you have the upper hand, you can dictate and control the outcome of the negotiation. In this case, neither side has the upper hand.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, December 14, 2023.
Alexander Zemlyanichenko | Reuters
Sam Cranney Evans, a defense analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank, told CNBC: “The challenge for Ukraine is to make Russia appear unable to achieve its objectives militarily, so negotiations are unlikely.” If it is to be done, it will be necessary.” from a relatively strong position. ”
”[But] If President Putin feels that the Russian military is still able to realize the political goals he has set, there will be little impetus for negotiations, and if he does not, he will find it very difficult to negotiate. . ”
Learn more about the story here. Ukraine and Russia say they want the war to end. But military and political experts say peace talks are a long way off.
— Holly Ellyatt
2 hours ago
Ukraine says China is necessary for peace process after Davos meeting
January 14, 2024, Davos, Switzerland: Mirek Dušek (left), WEF Director, Denis Maryuska, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Yulia Sviridenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine, Rustem Umyerev, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Kostin and Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin participate in a press conference during the fourth meeting of the National Security Advisor (NSA) on the Ukraine peace formula. A day before the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Ukraine and Switzerland are hosting the 4th Ukraine Peace Formula Conference in Davos. Photo: Hannes P. Albert/dpa (Photo by Hannes P Albert/picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
After a high-level diplomatic meeting ahead of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Ukraine’s top representative said China needs to be involved in negotiations to end the war with Russia.
Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said on Sunday that it was important that Russia’s ally China be at the table when Kiev convenes further meetings on the peace ceremony.
Zelenskiy is expected to arrive in Bern, Switzerland, on Monday and meet with Swiss President Viola Amherd.
“We must do everything to end this war,” Ignazio Cassis, a member of the Swiss parliament who attended Sunday’s debate, told a news conference earlier.
“China plays an important role. We have to find a way to cooperate with China in this matter,” Kasis said, adding that neither Russia nor Ukraine intended to make any concessions.
Mr. Zelenskiy also plans to meet with JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon this week in Davos to seek support for increasing funding for Ukraine, sources said. Bloomberg News first reported Zelensky’s plans to meet with Dimon.
— Reuters