The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for almost two and a half years, and now 92 countries are discussing ways to achieve peace in Switzerland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is responsible for ensuring that Russian society recognizes Vladimir Putin's current position in the world. Zelensky stated that Putin acknowledges his isolation but is not completely alone due to certain balancing influences. The goal, according to Zelensky, is to arouse skepticism about Putin's plans.
Countries such as Germany and France have expressed willingness for further peace summits. Deputy head of the office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva, announced that Ukraine plans to hold thematic events on each point of the summit's results at the level of ministers and advisers. Countries like France, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Norway, Poland, Canada, Qatar, Chile, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom have already shown readiness to organize such events.
China did not attend the peace summit, while Brazil attended but did not agree to the final declaration. Zelensky expressed a willingness to hear China's views under the condition that they adopt the ideas that have brought the international community together.
Zelensky set a condition for peace negotiations, stating that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine's legitimate territories. He emphasized that Russia and its leadership are not ready for a just peace. Zelensky is aiming for another peace summit in a few months, with some countries already agreeing to organize the second summit. Russia's participation in the second meeting has not been ruled out, provided Moscow commits to the UN Charter.
The final declaration of the peace conference was not signed by all participating countries. Only 80 out of 93 invited states agreed to the document, which refrained from explicitly condemning Russia. Countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa, connected to Russia through the BRICS group, did not sign the declaration. The final declaration reaffirmed the commitment to renounce the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, including Ukraine.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed doubts about all states signing the final declaration, citing subtleties and individual words as reasons. Ukrainian children abducted by Russia were also discussed at the conference, with 27 countries addressing the issue. Nuclear security, the situation of prisoners of war and civilians under Russian control, and safe harbors and grain exports were central topics on the second day of the conference.
The peace conference aimed to initiate a peace process involving Russia in the long term. However, it remains unclear when a follow-up conference with Russia can take place. US President Joe Biden did not attend the summit, prioritizing his election campaign. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke against freezing the conflict with Russia, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the need to include Russia in the negotiations.
The US promised a new support package for Ukraine, totaling around 500 million dollars for humanitarian and infrastructure purposes. Zelensky believes the peace conference increases pressure on Russia, emphasizing that joint efforts can stop the war and establish trust and peace. Ukraine hopes to reach a joint peace plan based on Zelensky's ten-point peace formula, which includes Russia's complete withdrawal from Ukraine and the prosecution of war crimes.
Russia's most important ally, China, did not attend the peace conference but called for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Scholz emphasized the importance of laying the foundations for a follow-up conference, with the aim of involving Russia in future discussions. The peace conference took place immediately after the G7 summit, where continued support for Ukraine was pledged.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a ceasefire on the condition that Ukraine assures it will not join NATO and withdraws its troops from occupied regions. Ukraine rejected these demands, with Zelensky comparing them to Adolf Hitler's ultimatums. The US also criticized Putin's ceasefire proposal, stating that he has no authority to dictate terms to Ukraine.
- The peace conference in Switzerland aimed to address various critical issues, including food security, nuclear safety, and humanitarian concerns such as the return of deported children and the welfare of prisoners of war. Swiss President Viola Amherd emphasized the importance of dialogue and involvement of all parties to achieve lasting peace.
- The summit highlighted the global impact of the Ukraine war, with leaders from different continents expressing their concerns. Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the war's effect on food exports and inflation, particularly in poorer countries. Chile's President Gabriel Borich stressed the importance of respecting international law and human rights in resolving conflicts.
- Zelensky called on China to engage seriously in the peace proposals, despite Beijing's refusal to send a delegation to the summit due to Russia's absence. The West accuses China of supplying critical materials to Russia's war effort, a claim Beijing denies.
- The peace conference underscored the challenges ahead, with some countries maintaining good relations with Russia and not supporting the joint announcement. The summit's summary statement reaffirmed the commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for concrete steps for continued involvement of all parties.
