Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged world leaders to attend an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, expressing disappointment that some countries had yet to confirm their participation. Addressing a group of defense officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of global involvement to ensure Russia’s compliance with any agreements reached.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. He acknowledged the urgency of the situation, saying, “Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland.”
At the same time, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us … to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace.” He believes that the greater the participation, the more likely it will be that Russia will have to listen.
Zelenskyy specifically mentioned Singapore and other regional countries, urging them to support the summit and attend in person. Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who shared the stage with Zelenskyy, did not confirm whether his country’s leaders would attend but expressed Singapore’s condemnation of the invasion and support for Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, promoting peace talks and reiterating that China had not provided weapons to either side of the conflict. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also attended the conference, acknowledging the courage of Ukrainian troops and the worldwide support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
The peace summit in Switzerland is scheduled to take place in about two weeks, and Zelenskyy’s appeal for global participation highlights the urgency and importance of finding a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine.
