Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy delivers opening remarks during a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, June 3, 2024. Jam Sta Rosa/POOL via REUTERS
Switzerland is set to host a summit on June 15-16 aimed at garnering broad international support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s peace proposals, which include the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Notably, Russia has not been invited to the summit. As the conflict enters its third year, with Ukrainian forces facing increasing pressure on the frontlines, Zelenskiy aims to refocus global diplomatic attention on Ukraine, following months of heavy emphasis on the Gaza war. The summit will be held at an Alpine resort near Lucerne, and its objective is to establish a framework for lasting peace and a roadmap for Russia’s eventual involvement in the peace process.
Russia has dismissed the initiative as futile. China, which has strengthened its ties with Russia since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, has also declined to attend, much to Kyiv’s disappointment.
Participants
Zelenskiy’s office announced that 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 extended to approximately 160 capitals and organizations in total. While the United States will be represented, it remains unclear whether President Joe Biden will attend. Zelenskiy has remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be pleased if Biden does not participate. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the summit as “absolutely futile” without Russia’s involvement.
Ukraine chose not to invite Russia due to a lack of trust, given the extensive casualties, displacement, and devastation caused by the invasion. Russian forces currently control around 18% of Ukrainian territory. However, Ukraine has indicated that Moscow could be invited to a future summit to discuss an end to the invasion, but only on Kyiv’s terms. Zelenskiy has accused China of aiding Russia in undermining the summit, an accusation that China’s Foreign Ministry has denied.
Discussion Topics
Presidential spokesperson Serhiy Nikiforov stated that the talks would center on three primary themes from Zelenskiy’s 10-point peace formula: food security, nuclear safety, and the release of all prisoners and deportees. These points are seen as having the potential to unite countries with varying perspectives. Zelenskiy initially presented his 10-point peace plan at the Group of 20 summit in November 2022, which also includes restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the total withdrawal of Russian troops, and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. A communiqué summarizing the summit’s results is expected.
Previous Peace Initiatives
Initial peace talks between Ukraine and Russia occurred shortly after the invasion began, with delegations meeting in Belarus and later in Istanbul in March 2022, but these discussions ultimately failed. Subsequent peace initiatives from China, the Vatican, and a coalition of African countries during 2022 and 2023 also did not succeed. In September 2022, Zelenskiy signed a decree prohibiting any negotiations with Putin. Ukrainian officials maintain that peace talks will only be possible once Russia withdraws its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory.
COMMENTS