Ukraine Peace Summit Convenes in Switzerland Amidst Tensions
The peace summit aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine commenced in Switzerland, drawing leaders from 92 countries and eight international institutions. Despite not all participants signing the final declaration, the communiqué reaffirmed the 'territorial integrity of Ukraine' and emphasized 'dialogue between all parties is necessary to end the war.' The declaration also called for the full exchange of war prisoners and the return of children deported from Russia.
Mixed Reactions and Divergent Views
During the summit, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen voiced opposition to any freezing of the conflict, pointing out that such action could lead to future wars of aggression. Concurrently, Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the necessity of including Russia in peace talks, advocating for 'a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.' However, US President Joe Biden did not attend the summit, instead attending a campaign event in California.
The United States has pledged a new humanitarian aid package worth approximately $500 million to Ukraine, intended to repair war damages and secure the energy infrastructure. This adds to the $324 million previously pledged for similar purposes.
Russia's Absence and Conditions for Peace
Russia's President Vladimir Putin was notably absent from the summit but had made preconditions for peace, demanding Ukraine's withdrawal from occupied regions and renouncing NATO membership. China, though not attending, urged immediate peace negotiations, with a call for weapons to cease although acknowledging they cannot bring lasting peace.
Despite calls for diplomatic solutions and various aid packages, significant disagreements remained. The future of the peace process remains uncertain, with plans for a second summit where Russia might be included potentially on the agenda.
- Chancellor Scholz has rejected Germany being accused of blocking the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia, expressing concerns about its impact on the German economy. The EU diplomats echoed that the sanctions' design is still under discussion.
- Reports indicate that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared Putin's territorial demands to those made by Hitler, a sentiment reflecting Ukraine's long-standing refusal to cede any occupied territories. Ukrainian officials have criticized Russia's peace proposal as merely an ultimatum lacking genuine intent for resolution.
- China, although absent, made a pre-summit plea for Russia and Ukraine to initiate peace talks to curb military actions. Meanwhile, the US also critiqued Russia's peace offer, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asserting that Putin is not in a position to dictate Ukraine's terms for peace.
