A conference is underway in Switzerland aimed at establishing a framework for peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Swiss Peace Summit drew leaders and representatives from over 100 countries and international organisations. Notably absent from the discussions at the luxury Burgenstock resort near Lucerne was delegation from Moscow.
Swiss President Viola Amherd opened the summit while expressing hope for future summits that might include Russia.
“We will not be able to negotiate or even proclaim peace for Ukraine here on the Bürgenstock, but we wish to inspire a process for a just and lasting peace, and we wish to take concrete steps in this direction,” she noted. “We can prepare the ground for direct talks between the warring parties: that is what we are here for.”
The summit, attended by more than 50 heads of state and government, was held against the backdrop of the ongoing war that began on February 24, 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to rally support for his 10-point peace plan that he announced G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022. It included food and energy security, release of all prisoners and deportees, restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity among others.
“Everything that will be agreed upon at the summit today will be a part of the peace-making process that we all need,” Zelensky said at a news conference alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd ahead of the conference.
“I believe that we will witness history being made here.”
US Vice President Kamala Harris has already announced that the United States would provide over $1.5 billion to assist Ukraine. Harris is also attending the conference.
China declined to participate in the peace summit arguing that any meaningful discussions should involve both Russia and Ukraine.
What is Moscow’s peace proposal?
The summit comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated the Kremlin’s peace proposal, which calls for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from four regions claimed by Moscow and for Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations.
Zelensky firmly rejected this plan and compared Putin’s demands to those of Adolf Hitler.
(With inputs from agencies)