Russia House becomes 'War Crimes House' in Davos

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

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

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

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

For the attendees, there'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 the high-minded discussions will yield substantial announcements that make headway on the 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 their case for more Western support in the country's fight against Russia.