In a dismissive response, Russia has rejected discussions on a peace plan proposed by Ukraine at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisted on Monday that the talks held without Moscow's participation would serve no purpose. The previous day, 83 delegations attended the meeting to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 10-point peace plan, aimed at ending the war triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The proposed peace plan calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops, the restoration of Ukraine's state borders, and Russia's accountability for war crimes. It was deliberated upon during a summit of national security advisers at the annual WEF gathering on Sunday. This marks the fourth time Zelenskyy's plan has been discussed at such meetings.

However, Ukraine remains firm in its refusal to engage in discussions with Russia, with Zelenskyy declaring any talks with them as illegal. This stance by Ukraine has led Russia, which controls a portion of Ukrainian territory, to dismiss the plan as absurd.

Kremlin spokesperson Peskov went on record saying, "This is simply talking for the sake of talking. This process cannot be aimed at achieving any specific results for the obvious reason - we are not participating. Without our participation, any discussions are devoid of any prospect of any results."

Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss foreign minister, who co-hosted the peace plan discussion in Davos, stated that the meeting is part of a process intended to eventually secure Russian participation. However, he admitted that Moscow is currently far from ready to cooperate. Cassis arrived in Davos on Monday to seek support for Ukraine, as signs of fatigue in the United States and the European Union have started to emerge. He expressed optimism about progress in terms of security guarantees and new support packages.

The ongoing war in eastern Ukraine has resulted in a deadlock at the frontline, prompting intensified air attacks using planes, missiles, and drones. Early on Monday, Russian air defense systems reportedly destroyed three missiles launched by Ukraine over the southwest Kursk region, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. In response, Ukraine claimed that it had downed two Russian military command aircraft over the Sea of Azov.

As the air war escalates, Ukraine is pressing Western allies for donations of missiles and air defense equipment. Meanwhile, Russia has faced criticism for allegedly violating international sanctions by sourcing weapons from North Korea. Although both Russia and North Korea have denied arms deals, they have expressed a desire for deeper cooperation. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son-hui, as she arrived in Moscow on an official visit.