Top diplomats gather in Davos for Ukraine peace talks

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos later in the week, he was not present at Sunday's opening session. The session included 81 participants from various countries and international organizations.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, represented him at the talks. Attendees included the U.S. special representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker and James O'Brien, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Amid growing concerns about the U.S.'s continued support for Ukraine in an election year, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are expected to address the WEF, which officially begins Monday evening.

Switzerland, hosting the national security advisers, stated that the talks aim to finalize principles for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. Announced last week, these principles are intended to lay the groundwork for the next stages of the peace process.

The involvement of the Global South in the Ukraine peace talks has gained attention in Davos. Many non-aligned countries from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, which have largely remained neutral over Ukraine, will be present in the Swiss resort this week.

Nigeria's national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu was among those attending the meeting. Yermak noted the participation of representatives from 18 Asian countries, 12 African countries, and 6 South American countries.

"Countries from the Global South are increasingly involved in our work," Yermak stated on his Telegram account.

Ukraine, with robust support from its allies, has firmly stated it will not cease efforts until it reclaims all territories occupied by Russia.

However, it remains uncertain whether countries in the Global South align with this stance as a peace formula.