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Ukraine peace summit without Russia – will that help? CDU expert Roderich Kiesewettert explains why he thinks the initiative makes sense.
In Switzerland, heads of state and government will be negotiating peace in Ukraine from Saturday (15 June) – without the aggressor Russia. Can this succeed? CDU MP and former Bundeswehr commander Roderich Kiesewetter is one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in Germany. He has FR.de explained his clear opinion on this issue, but also gave concrete suggestions on how to proceed.
Swiss peace conference without Russia: decision “on the battlefield”?
Kiesewetter makes one thing clear: “It is not to be expected that the conference will suddenly lead to Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine and thus trigger concrete negotiations.” The war in Ukraine will rather be decided “on the battlefield” – because Russia sees itself as the winner at the moment. President Vladimir Putin has “currently no interest in negotiations.”
Nevertheless, the conference is a “very good initiative,” says the CDU politician. Above all, however, it is about political support from as many states as possible for the peace plan of Ukraine and Volodymyr Selenskyj. The summit is taking place “under the impression of an ongoing systemic conflict.” This is because Russia and its “CRINK” alliance with China, Iran and North Korea want to “eliminate all fundamental international principles” – and instead rely on “imperial procedures” and “spheres of influence.”
Peace Summit in Switzerland: What is the Ukrainian “peace formula”?
The starting point for the talks in Switzerland is the Ukrainian peace plan. President Volodymyr Selenskyj presented it at the end of 2022. In fact, these are far-reaching demands: Russia should withdraw from the entire Ukraine, including Crimea. Ukraine is also demanding reparations and prosecution of war crimes, right up to the state leadership, i.e. Vladimir Putin. For domestic political reasons, Selenskyj would hardly be able to make concessions, said peace researcher Nicole Deitelhoff in February in the ZDFHowever, the aim of obtaining international support for the goals is “absolutely right”.
A few weeks ago, Zelensky’s head of presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said on Ukrainian TV that the peace plan could also become the basis for talks with Russia – at another conference.
Ukraine peace summit as “opposite of dictated peace”
This is precisely why more states need to be convinced of the concept of a just peace, of the principles of international law and of a “path of rules-based order”. The German delegation at Bürgenstock above Lucerne can also contribute to this. Especially towards undecided states from Africa, South America and Asia.
Kiesewetter also sees another signal coming from the Swiss peace meeting: It is “in contrast to the ‘dictated peace’ demanded by right-wing and left-wing populists and actors close to Russia,” he says. The CDU politician’s warning: calls for an immediate ceasefire would “de facto ‘reward’ military border shifts and genocide that violate international law.”
Ukraine victory possible: CDU supporter Kiesewetter names possible measures
Meanwhile, Kiesewetter still believes that a victory for Ukraine over Putin’s aggression is possible. But “only if the European supporting states in particular finally give ‘all in’ support: militarily, financially, economically and politically.” The way forward, however, is not to send fighting troops – but to ramp up armaments and supply Ukraine with more weapons from its own stocks and the world market. Improvement is needed: “What we did not produce in 2022/2023 because of the strategic blindness in countries like Germany cannot be in Ukraine in 2024.”
Kiesewetter’s demands include further concrete measures, such as the expansion of air defences to western Ukraine, sanctions against China and other allies of Russia, a fixed budget quota for NATO states to support Kiev and an increase in armaments. He also suggested using Russian funds frozen in the EU to help Ukraine. (fn)