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Russia was excluded after criticizing the event, though officials indicate that Moscow could participate in the future.
Peace Efforts Amidst Conflict
On June 15-16, representatives from ninety countries will convene in Switzerland to discuss a path to sustainable peace in Ukraine. This summit, organized at the request of Kyiv, aims to address the conflict that began nearly 28 months ago with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Russia will not be in attendance, as they were not extended an invitation. Swiss President Viola Amherd announced the summit’s objective to forge a roadmap to end the war and involve both Russia and Ukraine in future peace efforts. Despite Russia’s absence, officials emphasized the importance of eventually including Moscow in the peace process.
Invitation List and Participants
The invitation list for the summit includes prominent international figures and nations. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, have confirmed their attendance. While U.S. President Joe Biden will not be present, Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the United States. Amherd clarified that around half of the attendees are heads of state or government, with the remainder being representatives from various countries and organizations, including the United Nations. She denied any disappointment over the attendance of fewer than 100 countries, noting that around 160 invitations had been sent out.
Some countries with stronger ties to Moscow, like Turkey and South Africa, have yet to confirm their participation. India will attend, though the level of its representation is still uncertain. Conversely, Brazil and China have declined to participate unless both Ukraine and Russia are present, highlighting a significant divide in the international approach to the conflict.
Challenges and Security Concerns
Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized that peace in Ukraine is unattainable without Russia’s involvement, suggesting efforts to engage Moscow in future discussions. He stated that the crucial question is not if Russia will join the peace process, but when. The conference’s agenda includes vital issues such as nuclear security, humanitarian aid, food security, freedom of navigation, and the status of prisoners of war.
The summit’s security is a major concern for Switzerland, which plans to deploy up to 4,000 military personnel to ensure the safety of the event. Amherd noted a significant increase in cyberattacks in recent weeks, along with personal attacks against her in Russian media. She remarked that despite these provocations, Switzerland has chosen not to summon the Russian ambassador, highlighting the extreme disinformation campaign targeting the summit and its organizers.
Global Reactions and Diplomacy
The international community’s response to the summit has been mixed. Swiss officials reported that Beijing rejected accusations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who claimed that China and Russia were attempting to undermine the summit by pressuring other countries not to attend. Meanwhile, Cassis avoided attributing the recent cyberattacks to any specific entity, but acknowledged the clear interest in disrupting the peace talks.
Despite these challenges, the summit represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The presence of major world leaders and their representatives underscores the global significance of finding a resolution to the war. Switzerland’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and forging a path to peace reflects its role in international diplomacy, even as it faces criticism from Moscow for aligning with European Union sanctions.
Future Prospects
The absence of Russia at the upcoming summit does not negate the possibility of its future involvement in the peace process. Swiss officials remain optimistic that Moscow will eventually participate in discussions aimed at ending the conflict. The success of the summit will largely depend on the willingness of the international community to engage in constructive dialogue and address the complex issues underlying the war in Ukraine.
As the summit approaches, the world watches closely, hoping that this gathering of nations will pave the way for a lasting peace in Ukraine and a resolution to one of the most significant geopolitical conflicts of our time.
