Over 50 heads of state and government, excluding Russia and China, are expected to attend a conference this weekend in Switzerland to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. The absence of Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, has raised skepticism about the effectiveness of the meeting. Among those attending are the presidents of Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Somalia, as well as Western leaders and representatives from key developing countries.
Although China, a supporter of Russia, and many other countries are not participating in the conference, some notable attendees include U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India, and South Africa. The conference aims to address issues such as nuclear safety, humanitarian assistance, exchange of prisoners of war, and global food security, all of which have been affected by the conflict.
While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has been pushing for more international involvement in peace talks, Russian troops have continued to control a significant portion of Ukrainian territory. Peace negotiations have been complicated by Russia’s insistence on a draft agreement that includes Ukraine’s neutral status and limits on its armed forces, while delaying discussions on Russia-occupied areas.
Critics have expressed doubts about the conference’s ability to deliver substantial results, given the absence of key players like Russia and China. However, Ukraine and its allies see the summit as an opportunity to highlight Russia’s violation of international law and advocate for the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The International Crisis Group has described the event as an opportunity to reinforce the U.N. General Assembly’s recognition of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the meeting in Switzerland provides a platform for leaders to address ongoing challenges and discuss potential pathways to peace. While the absence of key players like Russia and China poses a significant challenge, the conference remains a vital opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitment to upholding international law and working towards a just and sustainable resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.
