Russia’s war of aggression
Switzerland officially invites people to the Ukraine conference
The peace conference is to take place here in the Bürgenstock Resort above Lake Lucerne. photo
© Michael Buholzer/KEYSTONE/dpa
Peace for Ukraine will be discussed in June. Switzerland sent out over 160 invitations – just not to Russia. The question will be whether this suits China.
Switzerland officially welcomed more than 160 delegations to the planned event on Thursday Ukraine conference invited. It will take place on June 15th and 16th in a posh hotel on Lake Lucerne, the Bürgenstock, and was organized at the request of Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry announced in Bern that the meeting would take place at the level of heads of state and government.
The aim is to develop a common understanding of a possible path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This should be the basis for a peace process. “Russia has not been invited at this time,” the statement said. The Swiss Foreign Ministry pointed out that Moscow had publicly refused to take part on several occasions. The conference should initiate a peace process. “Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be included in this process. A peace process without Russia is unthinkable.”
Zelensky peace formula as a basis
The basis for the discussions is the peace formula that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj presented at the United Nations in autumn 2022. Kiev demands that aggression be punished, lives protected, security and territorial integrity restored, and security guaranteed.
The conference is not aimed at involving Russia, but rather at bringing together countries that have a common understanding of the steps towards a solution, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the US magazine “Foreign Policy”. There will then be communication with Russia and Moscow can be involved in negotiations. Of course it is the case that the war cannot be ended without the participation of both sides, said Kuleba.
Kremlin appears skeptical
“We don’t understand what a milestone this peace conference is supposed to be?” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow. “How can one talk about a serious conference with serious results without Russia’s participation?” The Russian position is important because China is demanding a peace conference that is acceptable to both sides, Russia and Ukraine. Therefore, China’s participation is open. The aim of the meeting in Switzerland is precisely to awaken understanding for the Ukrainian position among previously Russia-friendly or neutral states such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa.