Switzerland, known for its neutral stance in international affairs, has agreed to host a global peace summit focused on the Ukraine conflict. This decision comes following a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Switzerland’s history as a mediator in global conflicts positions it as a potential facilitator for discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The Swiss government confirmed their commitment to this initiative, announcing that they are in the process of finalizing the details for the summit. This development was shared in a recent press conference held in Bern, where Zelenskyy, alongside Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd, spoke about the upcoming event. While the list of participants for the peace summit is yet to be finalized, Zelenskyy expressed a desire to include nations that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of global inclusivity in the summit, specifically mentioning the participation of the Global South. He emphasized the significance of demonstrating worldwide opposition to Russia’s aggression and a collective pursuit of a just peace.
The specifics regarding the date and location of the summit in Switzerland are still under discussion, with organizational efforts set to commence shortly. Zelenskyy’s visit to Switzerland also coincides with his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he is scheduled to meet various global leaders, including potentially Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The involvement of China in the peace talks is seen as crucial by Ukraine, given Beijing’s significant international role and its alliance with Russia. Zelenskyy expressed a strong interest in China’s participation in both the peace formula and the summit, acknowledging that the outcome is not solely dependent on Ukraine’s preferences.
Zelenskyy’s peace formula, initially proposed at a G20 summit, advocates for the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian forces, a halt to hostilities, and the release of all prisoners and detainees, among other points.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has expressed skepticism about the discussions in Davos concerning Ukraine’s peace proposals, noting the absence of Russian participation in these talks.
