A growing number of European leaders are either leaving or avoiding Davos, even before Donald Trump arrives for an expected showdown in Greenland.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pulled out after reportedly failing to secure a one-on-one meeting with Trump.
His absence has dampened hopes that Western powers will use Davos to seal a funding package for Ukraine’s air defense and energy sectors. But Zelensky said “everything can change at any moment.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also backed down, canceling his trip after a train crash in southern Spain killed 42 people.
On Wednesday, Reuters said she would join Macron in refusing to sign Trump’s “Peace Board” plan for Gaza.
Trump has threatened 200% tariffs on French wine in response.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suspended plans to attend Davos, saying he needs to stay in Kiev to deal with Russia’s missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
His absence has dampened hopes that Western powers will use Davos to sign a funding package for Ukraine’s air defense and energy sectors. But Zelensky said “everything can change at any moment.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also surrendered, canceling his trip after a train crash in southern Spain that killed 42 people.
Italian media also reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is unlikely to go to Davos.
On Wednesday, Reuters said she would join Macron in refusing to sign Trump’s “Peace Board” plan for Gaza.
Trump has threatened 200% tariffs on French wine in response.
