This weekend, Switzerland is hosting international leaders to discuss peace in Ukraine, without the presence of Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government excluded Russia from the talks and Switzerland did not extend an invitation to them. The conference is based on Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan from late 2022, with the goal of gaining international support. While Russia is not participating at this time, the Swiss are hopeful that they will join the process in the future.
The Swiss summit will focus on finding ways to ease tensions and eventually bring about peace in Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed numerous lives and led to international sanctions against Russia. The conference, expected to be largely symbolic, is an effort by Ukraine to garner global support and demonstrate strength against Russia. Despite Russia’s absence, the summit aims to address the ongoing war and potential paths to de-escalation, as Russian forces continue to make territorial advances in Ukraine.
The gathering at the Burgenstock Resort will see the participation of approximately 90 delegations, including leaders from Europe and international organizations like the United Nations. Notable attendees include French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. United States Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with Zelenskyy during the summit, focusing on strengthening the international rules-based order.
While key players like U.S. President Joe Biden and China won’t be present, the participation of several heads of state and government is expected to amplify the call for peace. The absence of Russia raises concerns about the effectiveness of the summit in achieving substantial progress without Moscow’s involvement. However, participants are likely to unite around an outcome document emphasizing peace efforts and Ukraine’s 10-point peace formula, presenting a joint plan to move forward.
Ukraine’s peace plan, presented by Zelenskyy, outlines steps to end the war with Russia’s invasion, proposing the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territories, cessation of hostilities, and restoring Ukraine’s borders. However, the summit will focus on nuclear safety, humanitarian aid, and food security, as these themes are deemed more manageable and foster international unity. Key unresolved issues that require Russia’s participation, like territorial integrity and future relationships, may not be discussed at this summit.
Looking ahead, Ukraine aims to build momentum and reaffirm its stance on key issues of territorial integrity and future partnerships at the summit. While the event may not produce immediate peace agreements or ceasefire on the battlefield, it is seen as a crucial step in initiating discussions on the contours of peace, mirroring historical precedents of peace negotiations during wartime. The way forward involves establishing Ukraine’s terms for ending the war, maintaining international support, and working towards resolving longstanding conflicts with Moscow.
