World leaders at the Ukraine summit for peace in Switzerland are engaged in intense discussions on key issues such as the security of nuclear sites and Ukraine’s food exports. The summit, attended by more than 90 countries and international organizations, aims to garner support for ending the war in Ukraine.
One of the main objectives of the summit is to adopt a final communique that squarely blames Russia for the suffering and destruction caused by the war. However, Austria’s leader has indicated that the declaration may not receive unanimous support from all participants.
The draft final document calls for the restoration of Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the country’s ports on the Azov Sea, currently occupied by Russia. It also refers to Russia’s actions as a “war”, a term that Moscow has rejected.
Humanitarian issues such as the return of prisoners and abducted children are also on the agenda. However, some contentious topics, like the status of land under Russian occupation, will be addressed at a later stage.
Despite differing opinions on how to achieve peace in Ukraine, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte emphasized the unity among attendees in their quest for peace. He highlighted the shared vision on principles, values, and decency, condemning actions such as invading another country and endangering nuclear safety.
While it was expected that all delegations would endorse a statement condemning Russia’s invasion, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer revealed that the declaration would not receive unanimous support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the results of the summit would pave the way for a second peace conference to bring an end to the war.
Russia has dismissed the summit as a waste of time, with President Vladimir Putin proposing a ceasefire on the condition that Ukraine withdraws troops from certain regions. Western leaders strongly rejected this proposal, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling it “propaganda” and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accusing Putin of spinning a false narrative.
Despite the challenges and differing opinions, the organizers of the summit remain hopeful of making progress towards peace in Ukraine. The discussions at the summit are crucial in laying the groundwork for future negotiations and efforts to end the conflict.
