Russia has firmly rejected an invitation to a second Ukraine peace summit slated for November, citing the proposed ‘Zelensky formula’ as unviable and a thinly veiled attempt to force Russian capitulation. The announcement came from foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who stated that the summit’s objective was to promote the ‘unviable’ peace plan, garner global support, and ultimately present Russia with an ultimatum to surrender.
This decision follows a similar event held in June at a Swiss resort, where over 90 countries and institutions gathered to discuss peace in Ukraine. Notably, China, a staunch supporter of Russia, opted out of the inaugural summit. Beijing has since asserted that any peace process must include both Russia and Ukraine, while simultaneously proposing its own peace initiatives.
The summit’s focus is on securing international backing for a peace plan built around Ukraine’s demands, highlighting the deep divide between the warring parties. The ongoing conflict, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, has significant implications for the continent’s security and has become a focal point for global geopolitical tensions. The upcoming summit is expected to further expose these deep divisions and the challenges facing any potential peace agreement.
