Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland as a pivotal moment in history. In his opening remarks on day one of the two-day conference, officially known as the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, Zelenskyy expressed optimism that it would mark a turning point towards ending the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Most of the fighting has been concentrated in eastern Ukraine, where Russia has illegally annexed four regions. In recent months, Russia has made significant battlefield gains, capturing large areas and numerous villages. Despite Zelenskyy’s aspirations for the summit, expectations are low given the absence of Russia and its ally China. Approximately 90 countries are expected to participate, with Vice President Kamala Harris representing the United States. Around 50 heads of state and government are also anticipated to attend.
The Swiss-hosted summit’s agenda is focused on three key areas: nuclear safety, especially regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant currently under Russian control; humanitarian assistance and prisoner exchanges; and global food security, which has been disrupted by the conflict’s impact on Ukrainian food exports.
Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan, presented at last year’s G-20 Summit in India, encompasses a broader scope than the Swiss conference’s agenda. In addition to the three points addressed by the summit, Zelenskyy’s plan includes the withdrawal of Russian forces, restoration of occupied territories, energy security, a tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes, environmental protections, security guarantees to prevent future conflicts, and a formal declaration of the war’s end.
When the Swiss-hosted summit was first discussed last year, Ukraine appeared to have the upper hand after successful counter-offensives that liberated territories from Russian occupation. However, the situation has changed dramatically, with Ukraine’s second counter-offensive faltering and Russia achieving battlefield victories.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the Ukraine peace conference as a mere distraction, intended to shift blame and derail discussions. He has outlined conditions for a ceasefire and peace talks, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from the annexed eastern regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as abandoning its aspirations to join NATO. He also demands the lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia. Ukraine has categorically rejected Putin’s proposals, accusing him of attempting to mislead the international community and undermine efforts towards a just peace.
Despite the challenges and skepticism, the Ukraine peace summit provides a platform for international dialogue and efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
