Swiss to host Ukraine peace conference while Russia snubs invitation, blaming US
Swiss government plans to convene a high-level peace conference for Ukraine in mid-June while Russia refuses to participate, citing American political motivations
The Swiss government announced plans on Wednesday to convene a high-level peace conference for Ukraine in mid-June, but with a notable absence: Russia. Despite attempts to create a forum for discussion and settlement, the Kremlin has refused to take part, claiming political motivations.
The goal of the summit, which is set for June 15–16 at the Burgenstock resort near Luzern, is to start the process of bringing about long-term peace in Ukraine. Viola Amherd, the president of Switzerland, highlighted the importance of this endeavor by saying, “This is a first step in a process towards a lasting peace.”
But as soon as the Swiss revealed the planned meeting, Russian officials condemned it, claiming that the US Democratic Party was using it as a tactic to boost support for the US presidential election.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, accused the US of prioritizing electoral gains over genuine peace efforts. “The elections are everything. Ukraine is nothing,” she asserted, mocking the US government with the implication that Washington is exploiting the situation by trying to make use of it for its political agenda.
Amherd acknowledged that Russia was not there and that no peace treaty will be signed at the first meeting. She expressed optimism for further engagements in spite of this setback, saying, “We hope to start the process.”
The meeting will be held in the region after Switzerland said in January that it would plan one during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The need of Russian participation was emphasized by Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who said, “A peace process cannot happen without Russia.”
The Swiss government has held direct talks with a number of governments, including members of the G7, the European Union, and representatives of the Global South, in advance of the summit. The objective is to create a framework that will enable the achievement of a thorough and equitable settlement in conformity with international law and the UN Charter.
Source: AFP
