Switzerland is hosting a peace summit this weekend to discuss peace in Ukraine without Russia’s participation. The conference is based on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan from late 2022, aiming to rally international support. Zelenskyy’s government excluded Russia from the talks, and Switzerland did not invite them. The summit is seen as a largely symbolic effort by Kyiv to rally the international community and project strength against Russia. The conflict has led to international sanctions against Russia and raised tensions between NATO and Moscow. The question remains on how the two countries can move back from the brink and eventually silence the guns without Russia attending.
The summit will see a turnout of about 90 delegations, including heads of state or government such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. United States Vice President Kamala Harris will also attend the summit and meet with Zelenskyy. U.S. President Joe Biden opted to dispatch Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, while Russia’s key ally China will not participate. Developing countries like India, Brazil, and Turkey are also expected to attend. The conference aims to draw a large number of countries to push for peace internationally.
The Ukrainian 10-point peace formula launched by Zelenskyy proposes ambitious calls such as the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian territory, cessation of hostilities, and restoring Ukraine’s state borders with Russia. However, the discussions at the summit will be limited to nuclear safety, humanitarian aid, and food security. These themes are seen as easier for Kyiv to rally the international community around, but do not address the tougher issues that can only be resolved with Moscow’s involvement. Russia is hesitant to accept the Ukrainian peace formula and may be unwilling to show any sign of acceptance during the summit.
Ukraine aims to emerge from the summit with momentum and reaffirmation of commitment from its allies around its bottom lines on territorial integrity and future relationships. The summit may not lead to a new peace plan or agreement that stops the hostilities on the battlefield, but discussions on the contours of peace can begin. The outcome document or joint plan that participants are expected to unite around will likely hold significant input from Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s office has expressed willingness to invite Russia to a second summit to present a joint plan together with other participants. The stage is set for a symbolic effort to project strength and rally support towards peace in Ukraine.
