Switzerland advocates for Russian inclusion in upcoming Peace Summit on Ukraine

The New Voice of Ukraine
·2 min read
Sergey Lavrov
Sergey Lavrov

“A peace process without Russia is unthinkable,” the Swiss Foreign Ministry stated on May 2, adding that Bern “has always shown openness to extending an invitation” to Moscow for the Peace Summit on Ukraine, which has been repeatedly publicly rejected.

"The summit in Switzerland aims to kick-start a peace process, and we are convinced that Russia must be part of this dialogue," the ministry stated, highlighting Switzerland’s role in fostering global security and stability.

“Switzerland is making another important contribution to support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and greater security and stability in Europe and the world.”

The participation of a wide range of states and their contributions to the discussion will be crucial reach these goals and “inspire a future peace process.”

Switzerland has invited over 160 delegations at head of state and government level to take part in the first Peace Summit on June 15 and 16 in Bürgenstock, including members of the G7, the G20, the BRICS, numerous other countries from all continents as well as the EU, three international organizations (UN, OSCE and Council of Europe) and two religious representatives (Vatican and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople).

The final list of participating states will be published shortly before the start of the Summit.

On May 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the first Global Peace Summit would serve as a platform to discuss ways to achieve comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine following the UN Charter and international law.

Global Peace Summit in Switzerland

Preparations for the summit were announced on January 15 by Zelenskyy and Swiss President Viola Amherd. Bloomberg reports that 80 to 100 countries are expected to participate in the event aimed at forging a common understanding of how to achieve a comprehensive and just peace for Ukraine.

Notable attendees may include U.S. President Joe Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed France's involvement, citing close collaboration with nations dedicated to fostering peace under international law.

However, amidst these preparations, Zelenskyy raised concerns on April 24 about potential disruptions by Russia, describing it as a terrorist state aiming to hinder the peace efforts. Consequently, Russian representatives have not been invited to the summit, as Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained on May 1, due to doubts about Russia's commitment to genuine peace efforts.

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