Peace in Ukraine cannot come at the cost of the country's capitulation, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized during a peace summit in Switzerland. Addressing the gathering, which included representatives from 90 countries, he asserted, 'We are all determined to build lasting peace. Such peace cannot be a Ukrainian capitulation. There is an aggressor and a victim.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed the sentiment, stating, 'Together we are taking the first step towards a just peace. The world is stronger than Vladimir Putin.'
The summit, characterized by the absence of Russia and China, sees broad international participation with many nations stepping forward in solidarity. American Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine, warning the international community about the consequences of ignoring an aggressor’s invasion of a neighbor. 'If the world does not react, other aggressors will undoubtedly become emboldened,' she declared.
Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted the importance of peace discussions over war talks, stressing that 'a commitment to peace makes certain fundamental concessions inevitable.' He, along with others, called for Russia's inclusion in any sustainable peace negotiations. A similar stance was taken by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who argued that 'freezing the conflict' would only set the stage for future wars.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the necessity of a peace based on international law and the United Nations Charter as the path forward. Scholz, traveling straight from the G7 summit in Italy, added that 'peace is not just the absence of war,' rejecting any notion of acknowledging territorial control established by force.
While the conference aims for a 'just peace,' it faces significant hurdles, particularly with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to participate. Putin had earlier proposed a ceasefire contingent upon Ukraine ceding territories and renouncing NATO membership—demands promptly rejected by Ukraine.
Challenging Putin’s conditions, progressive steps to address food security, humanitarian issues, and nuclear safety at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant are underway at the summit. Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived at the summit with a firm stance, dismissing Putin's comparison to Adolf Hitler and resolutely opposing any division of Ukrainian territory.
- The peace summit in Switzerland has brought together representatives from over 90 countries to discuss potential pathways to end the war in Ukraine. Notably absent are Russian and Chinese officials, casting a shadow over the prospects for immediate peace.
- One of the primary objectives of this summit is to lay down the principles of a lasting and dignified peace that ensures respect for sovereignty and international borders. Despite Russia's absence, several countries have underscored the importance of Russia's participation in achieving a durable peace.
- The conference is also tackling significant issues pertaining to food security and humanitarian concerns, including the safety of shipping routes and the exchange of prisoners.
