Ukraine Peace Summit: Draft Proposal and Global Consensus
On the first day of the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, a draft joint statement stressed the importance of involvement and dialogue among all parties for achieving peace. Ukrainian media suggested that a scenario could emerge where the document might be adopted without unanimous consent, due to disputes over specific terms. Nevertheless, Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, confirmed a consensus among participants on the joint statement.
The summit, focused on crafting a preliminary peace plan for Ukraine, convened representatives from about 100 countries and international organizations. Notably absent were Russia and China, the latter having canceled its participation. The United Nations attended as an observer. At the summit's commencement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that peace proposals would be presented to Russia once agreed upon by the international community.
International Responses and Key Statements
Prominent leaders conveyed their stances on achieving peace in Ukraine. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris underscored the necessity of global action against aggression, warning that passive responses would enable future bold aggressors. French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that lasting peace could not be predicated on Ukraine's surrender. He emphasized, 'There is an aggressor and a victim.'
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated that peace requires more than the cessation of hostilities, rejecting the reality promoted by the Kremlin. Scholz's viewpoint was supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who cautioned against a frozen conflict. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted the need to establish principles of a just and lasting peace grounded in international law and the UN Charter.
Russia's Absence and Putin's Conditions
Despite not being invited, Russian President Vladimir Putin set forth conditions for a ceasefire: Ukraine's withdrawal from the occupied regions and relinquishment of NATO membership aspirations. Putin's offer, made just before the summit, was promptly rejected by Ukraine. Zelensky likened Putin's demands to the actions of Adolf Hitler, stating that they represented an ultimatum rather than a genuine peace proposal.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized Putin's position, insisting that he had no authority to dictate terms to Ukraine. Further complicating matters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned of intensifying demands should Ukraine refuse Putin’s initial conditions.
The summit continues with hopes of developing actionable peace plans despite significant international tensions and the complex geopolitical landscape.
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice President Kamala Harris traveled directly from the G7 summit in Italy to attend the peace conference in Switzerland. The goal was to promote a united stance on Ukraine and bolster the peace efforts initiated at the summit.
- Notable players from the global south, such as India and Brazil, attended the conference, albeit at a lower level of representation, reflecting the global interest and diplomatic nuances surrounding the peace process in Ukraine.
- The summit's agenda included critical issues related to food and shipping safety, humanitarian concerns like prisoner exchanges, and nuclear security at the Zaporizhia nuclear plant. These topics were central to addressing the broader implications of the Ukraine conflict.
- The Swiss hosts aim to organize a follow-up conference later in the year, with hopes of including Russia in the discussions to advance the peace initiatives.
