Dozens of world leaders are set to gather at a secluded Swiss resort above Lake Lucerne this weekend for a high-stakes summit on the conflict in Ukraine. The summit at Bürgenstock is seen as a crucial opportunity to make progress towards a peace process, more than two years after Russia’s invasion of its neighbor.
However, with key players like China opting to stay away and Russian President Vladimir Putin issuing a new ultimatum demanding Ukraine’s surrender, hopes for significant progress are low. Russia has not been invited to the summit, which is the largest gathering for Ukraine since the invasion.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian officials see the meeting as a positive step, with every confirmed participant seen as a gesture of support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law. Ukrainian President Zelensky’s 10-point plan for peace, which includes the return of all occupied land, is a key focus for the summit.
The situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire, with a recent Russian offensive near Kharkiv causing widespread destruction. The summit aims to rally support behind Ukraine’s vision for a peaceful resolution, but the absence of key leaders like US President Joe Biden and limited participation from countries in the Global South is a setback.
As tensions remain high and both Ukraine and Russia show no signs of backing down, the summit will focus on less contentious issues such as nuclear security and humanitarian concerns. The road to peace remains uncertain, with the need for a commitment to winning the war still a priority for Ukraine and its allies.
