Russia House becomes 'War Crimes House' in Davos

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was dressing World Economic Forum asking for "maximum" sanctions against Russia during a virtual speech, so called "Russia War Crimes house" was officially open and featuring photographs documenting impact of war on civilians.

President Vlimir Putin's war means Russian business and political leers haven't been invited to Davos this year. That means re are no tritional "Russia House" social festivities with caviar and vodka spres for elite attendees of its evening fun. So what was dubbed "Russia House" has been transformed by critics — including Ukrainian tycoon Victor Pinchuk and country's Foreign Ministry — into what y call "Russia War Crimes House".

venue features photos of crimes and cruelties that Russian forces are accused of perpetuating. One of speakers was Oksana Kyrsanova, a doctor from Mariupol whose emotional speech detailed horrors of experiencing constant shelling while trying to save lives.

Inside and outside venue, Ukraine is a key focus on Monday at Davos, village in Swiss Alps that has been transformed into a glitzy venue for four-day confab ostensibly dedicated to making world a better place. event is resuming in person after a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19 pandemic, which also delayed this year's meeting from its usual winter slot.

For attendees, re's much to tackle amid soaring food and fuel prices, Russia's war in Ukraine, climate change, inequality and persistent health crises. But it's hard to predict if high-minded discussions will yield substantial announcements that make heway on world's most pressing challenges.

Zelenskyy, who received a standing ovation after this remarks, reiterated that Russia was blocking critical food supplies, such as wheat and sunflower oil, from leaving its ports. Besides Zelenskyy's speech, a sizable Ukrainian government delegation is attending in person, making ir case for more Western support in country's fight against Russia.