Switzerland is set to host a summit on June 15-16, aiming to gather international backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace proposals. These proposals call for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. However, Russia has not been invited to the summit.
The summit comes at a critical time, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is well into its third year. Ukrainian forces are facing increased pressure on the frontlines. Zelenskyy hopes the summit will shift global attention back to Ukraine, especially after months of focus on the Gaza conflict.
The summit, to be held at an Alpine resort near Lucerne, aims to establish a framework for lasting peace and outline a roadmap for Russia’s eventual involvement in the peace process.
Russia and China’s Stance
Russia has dismissed the summit as a waste of time. China, which has grown closer to Russia since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, has also decided not to attend, disappointing Kyiv. Zelenskyy had hoped to include China in the discussions.
By early June, 107 countries and international organizations had confirmed their participation, including Ukraine’s Western allies and nations from South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Invitations were sent to around 160 capitals and organizations in total. The United States will be represented, though it is unclear if President Joe Biden will attend. Zelenskyy believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be pleased if Biden does not show up
Kyiv chose not to invite Russia due to a lack of trust, given the invasion’s devastating impact, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and significant destruction in Ukraine.
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Currently, Russian forces control about 18% of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has indicated that Russia could be invited to future talks, but only under Kyiv’s conditions.
Serhiy Nikiforov, Zelenskyy’s spokesperson, stated that the summit discussions would focus on three main themes: food security, nuclear safety, and the release of all prisoners and deportees. These issues are seen as having the potential to unite countries with different viewpoints.
Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula
Zelenskyy first introduced his 10-point peace formula at a Group of 20 summit in November 2022. The formula includes restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a total withdrawal of Russian troops, and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.
Kyiv expects a communique to be issued at the end of the summit, summarizing the outcomes.
Initial peace talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in the early days of the invasion, first in Belarus and later in Istanbul in March 2022, but they eventually broke down. Various peace initiatives have been proposed by China, the Vatican, and a group of African countries during 2022 and 2023, but none have succeeded.
In September 2022, Zelenskyy signed a decree banning any negotiations with Putin. Ukrainian officials maintain that peace talks can only happen once Russia withdraws its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory.
The upcoming summit in Switzerland represents a renewed effort to gather global support for Ukraine’s vision of peace and to keep international attention focused on the conflict.
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