Ukraine seeks path to peace in Switzerland – DW – 06/15/2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (06/15/2024) expressed his hope to achieve peace at a summit in Switzerland that is seeking ways to end the conflict with Russia, which did not attend the meeting. The two-day meeting is held at the luxurious Bürgenstock hotel complex and is attended by more than 50 heads of state and government. But Moscow’s absence has dampened hopes of laying the groundwork for a future peace agreement. “I am confident that we will see history being made here at the summit. Let a just peace be established as soon as possible,” Zelenskyy declared at the start of the meeting.

“Whatever will be agreed at the summit will be part of the peace process,” he said. “We managed to return to the world the idea that war can be prevented and a just peace can be established through joint efforts,” he added. The meeting is aimed at paving the way for a roadmap for peace, which could later include Russia. But Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday demanded Ukraine’s withdrawal from disputed territories before any talks. Zelensky rejected Putin’s “ultimatum”. NATO and the United States also rejected Moscow’s terms for ending the war, which began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as a demand for surrender.

It is necessary to “talk to the enemy”

“Today Russia has refused to listen to our collective call for peace based on international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said after reprimanding Moscow for its attitude, which included supporting Ukraine’s aggression. “It is true that peace cannot be achieved without containing Russia, but we must not forget that Russia continues its brutal war,” said the head of the German government, who called the peace summit organized on the initiative of Ukraine a “significant event”. “Great efforts are needed to achieve peace,” the German chancellor warned.

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar said ahead of the talks that it was necessary to “talk to the enemy.” “We cannot negotiate peace between like-minded countries,” she added. In total, the organizers have 92 national delegations. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva refused to attend and his ambassador in Bern attended in his place. Russia’s other allies in the BRICS group, such as South Africa and India, sent second-rate delegations. China refused to attend. And Colombia, which was due to join, canceled its trip at the last minute.

The Ukrainian leader said this Saturday that he will present a peace proposal to Russia once it is agreed upon by the international community. “When the action plan is on the table, accepted by all and transparent to the people, then we will convey it to the representatives of Russia, so that we can really end the war,” he declared. US President Joe Biden also sent his Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously announced more than $1.5 billion in aid to Ukraine, mainly for its energy sector and humanitarian aid.

lgc (AFP, EFE)