More than 80 countries seek common ground in talks on Ukraine’s peace formula

National security advisors from 83 countries hold a fourth round of discussions on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 10-point proposals for lasting and just peace in Ukraine.

National security advisors from 83 countries engaged in a fourth round of discussions on Sunday to explore common ground on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 10-point proposals for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. The talks, co-chaired by Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, addressed the challenge of including Russia in negotiations, with both sides acknowledging that such inclusion remains a distant prospect.

The meeting, held in the luxurious ski resort of Davos in eastern Switzerland on the eve of the five-day World Economic Forum, aimed to pave the way for a future process with Russia. Cassis emphasized the need to be prepared and ripe for launching such a process, highlighting that while discussions had to find a way to include Russia at some point, neither Kyiv nor Moscow was currently ready for that step.

President Zelensky is scheduled to travel to Switzerland on Monday and attend the annual summit of the world’s business and political elite at Davos. The talks, according to Cassis, were open, constructive, and detailed on key principles to achieve a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine.” Despite differences in approaches, Yermak stressed unity on fundamental principles of independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and adherence to international law and UN statutes.

Cassis underscored the importance of the involvement of Brazil, India, and South Africa in the talks, given their ongoing dialogue with Moscow within the BRICS group. Yermak revealed Ukraine’s plans to host summits with African and South American nations to present its position more broadly. Despite international pressure, Yermak stated that Ukraine had not been pressed to offer territorial concessions, asserting that Ukraine remained committed to fighting and believed it would “obviously win this war.”

During an earlier press conference, Cassis acknowledged the imperative to include Russia in the peace process, emphasizing that peace would not be achievable without Russia having a say. However, he added a sense of urgency, noting that every minute of delay resulted in civilian casualties in Ukraine. The talks in Davos mark the fourth in a series of national security advisor-level meetings, following gatherings in Copenhagen in June 2023, Jeddah in August, and Malta in October.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is also expected to visit Davos, adding to the international significance of the discussions as global leaders converge to address one of the most pressing geopolitical challenges of our time.

Source: AFP