The Ukrainian Peace Summit: World Leaders Gather in Switzerland Amidst Russia's Absence

Switzerland hosts a peace summit for Ukraine this weekend, excluding Russia from the discussions. The summit, based on President Zelenskyy's 10-point peace plan, aims to rally international support and project strength against Russia's aggression. Despite Russia's absence, the conference aims to establish a path towards peace and address critical issues like nuclear safety, humanitarian aid, and food security.

Switzerland has become the stage for a crucial peace summit on Ukraine, with world leaders gathering in Burgenstock to discuss steps towards ending the ongoing conflict. Notably absent from the discussions is Russia, the aggressor in the war, which was excluded at the request of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Peace Summit: World Leaders Gather in Switzerland Amidst Russia's Absence

The summit is underpinned by a 10-point peace formula presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late 2022. While the conference is unlikely to produce immediate breakthroughs, it serves as a symbolic effort to rally the international community and demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

Among the notable attendees are French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. US Vice President Kamala Harris will also participate in the opening day.

The Ukrainian Peace Summit: World Leaders Gather in Switzerland Amidst Russia's Absence

Despite the absence of Russia, Ukraine remains committed to pursuing peace on its own terms. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, suggested the possibility of inviting Russia to a subsequent summit to present a joint peace plan. However, the most contentious elements of the Ukrainian peace formula, such as the withdrawal of Russian troops, are not currently on the table for discussion.

Only three themes will be addressed at the summit: nuclear safety, humanitarian aid, and food security. These issues transcend national interests and are designed to garner broad international support.

Russia's reluctance to participate in the conference stems from its unwillingness to accept the Ukrainian peace formula or Kyiv's red lines. Moscow favors a peace agreement similar to the draft negotiated early in the war, which limited Ukraine's military and delayed discussions on occupied territories.

Despite the challenges, Ukraine seeks momentum from the conference. It hopes to secure reaffirmation from allies on its territorial integrity and future aspirations, regardless of NATO or EU membership.

Experts believe that while the summit may not lead to an immediate peace plan or cease-fire, it initiates discussions about the contours of peace that could eventually halt hostilities on the battlefield. The conference serves as a reminder that efforts to achieve peace should not be abandoned, even as the war continues.