Switzerland hosts Ukraine Peace Summit with global participation

The town of Burgenstock in Switzerland’s Nidwalden canton will host the Ukraine Peace Summit on Saturday.

Swiss Defense Minister Viola Amherd and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis held a press conference in the capital Bern, providing detailed information about the conference. The region has implemented heightened security measures, with numerous police and soldiers establishing barricades to form a security perimeter.

Participation and Switzerland’s role

Amherd confirmed that 90 countries and organizations were present at the conference. Approximately half of the participating states are from Europe.

Amherd stated, “Half of the participating countries will be represented by their heads of state, while others will be represented at the ministerial level.” She emphasized the importance of the broadest possible participation in a widely supported process, adding, “The fact that so many countries are sending such high-level delegations shows that it is right to initiate a widely supported process.”

In response to a question, Amherd confirmed Türkiye’s participation in the conference, while noting that official confirmation had not yet been received from Brazil and South Africa. Minister Cassis stated that the conference would deeply discuss global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the condition of prisoners of war, nuclear threats, and food security. Cassis said, “We have always been open to inviting Russia to this conference, but Moscow has repeatedly made it clear that it is not interested in attending.”

Aims and goals

The conference aims to discuss ways to find a permanent peace solution to the Russia-Ukraine War. Swiss officials state that the conference aims to lay the foundation for sustainable peace talks and hope for Russia’s participation in the future.

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will emphasize Türkiye’s readiness to support international efforts for a fair and lasting solution to the war in Ukraine. Diplomats highlight Türkiye’s potential to play a significant role in contributing to the peace process.

According to diplomatic sources, Foreign Minister Fidan will attend the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland on June 15–16. Fidan, who will speak at the summit’s opening session, will highlight the devastating impact of the conflict on Ukraine and its deepening negative consequences at both the regional and global levels.

90 countries, organizations confirm particpation

The conference aims to find a permanent peace solution to the Russia-Ukraine War based on international law and to initiate the peace process. Switzerland invited 160 delegations worldwide, and 90 countries and organizations confirmed their participation. About half of the participants will be officials from European countries. Denise Brown, the United Nations Ukraine humanitarian coordinator, stated that the U.N. would participate as an observer, saying, “We hope for a just peace for Ukraine under the U.N. Charter.”

Brown noted that the war, which began in February 2022, has disrupted humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. She mentioned the increasing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, stating that Ukraine has lost at least 60% of its energy production capacity since the start of the war.

Topics of discussion and expectations

To end the war, the conference will discuss ways to achieve lasting peace based on international law. Swiss officials aim for Russia’s future participation and lay the foundation for sustainable peace talks. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has scheduled a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swiss officials. The U.N. will observe and carefully listen to developments.

China’s and Russia’s participation

European Union Commission Spokesperson Peter Stano expressed regret over China’s decision not to attend the Ukraine Peace Summit, stating that China does respect international law and the U.N. Charter.

Stano noted that Russia’s decision to abstain from the summit indicates its disinterest in peace efforts.

Brazil’s approach

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated that negotiations cannot proceed without Russia. Lula highlighted the trillions of dollars spent due to conflicts and wars and called for an international peace conference involving all parties to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Before attending the G7 Leaders Summit, Lula met with Amherd in Geneva to discuss the issue between Ukraine and Russia.

Kremlin’s views

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s cease-fire conditions with Ukraine are indefinite, according to Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who also noted that formalizing Putin’s proposals is not necessary. Peskov mentioned that Russia would be willing to start negotiations with Kyiv if Ukraine withdraws its troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia and abandons its desire to join NATO.

Türkiye’s participation and expectations

Foreign Minister Fidan will emphasize Türkiye’s readiness to support international efforts for a fair and lasting solution to the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the summit’s opening session, Fidan will emphasize the growing destructive impact of the conflict on Ukraine and its deepening negative consequences at both regional and global levels. Türkiye is expected to play an active role in this summit.