The “Summit on Peace in Ukraine” is set to take place on June 15-16 in Buergenstock, Switzerland, with around 90 countries and organisations expected to attend. The summit aims to outline the first steps towards achieving peace in Ukraine and has extended invitations to 160 countries. However, some key states such as the US and China are not sending heads of state to the event. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent, as Ukraine made it clear that Russia was not welcome at the summit, and Russia has publicly rejected Ukraine’s peace plan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been promoting the peace summit in an attempt to drum up support and attendance. Several dozen heads of state or government are expected to attend, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. US Vice President Kamala Harris will also deliver an address and meet Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit. However, US President Joe Biden will not be attending, as he will be at a campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles with George Clooney. China, a key ally of Russia, will also be absent from the event.
Zelenskyy’s peace plan outlines 10 proposals to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territory and the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia. The summit will focus on nuclear safety, humanitarian aid, and food security, with the goal of finding a possible path towards peace in Ukraine. Despite Russia’s rejection of Ukraine’s peace formula, the organisers remain realistic about the summit’s potential outcomes, aiming to provide a basis for a peace process.
Hostilities between Russia and Ukraine remain high, with Russia making territorial gains in eastern and northeastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy has called for weapons from the West, stating that they are essential to defeat Russia’s well-equipped army. The Swiss organisers of the summit believe that Russia’s participation is necessary for any practical resolution of issues, despite Ukraine’s ongoing hesitance. The conference will also aim to create a path for involving Russian officials in the future, with the hope of moving towards peace in the region.
