As the peace summit in Switzerland gets underway, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is optimistic about the prospects of finding a solution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. He believes that history will be made at the conference, which brings together over 50 heads of state and government from around the world, along with other leaders and envoys. However, experts are skeptical about the chances of a breakthrough, citing the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government, which has been waging war on Ukraine since February 2022.
Despite the challenges, Zelenskiy remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, which has caused humanitarian crises, displacement, and economic instability in Ukraine. He has presented a 10-point peace formula, which includes the withdrawal of Russian troops, the cessation of hostilities, and the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia, including Crimea.
Russia, on the other hand, has floated its own ideas for peace, which include an agreement to support an international peace conference with equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace plans. China, which backs Russia, has also joined the conversation, proposing its own six-point plan for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
The Swiss-hosted conference has garnered attention from around the world, with leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Asia attending the summit. However, many countries have opted out, citing more pressing issues and concerns about the effectiveness of the conference.
Volodymyr Zelensky (Via Volodymyr Zelensky/Twitter)
Key issues on the agenda include nuclear safety, humanitarian assistance, and global food security. However, some experts argue that these issues are too narrow and do not address the root causes of the conflict. Others are skeptical about the chances of a breakthrough, citing the entrenched positions of Russia and Ukraine.
Despite the challenges, the conference provides a platform for Ukraine and its allies to underline the importance of international law and the need for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the summit convenes, it remains to be seen whether a breakthrough will be achieved or if the conference will simply serve as a diplomatic exercise.
The absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government has drawn criticism from some quarters, with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urging Russia to join the dialogue. Meanwhile, Mr. Putin has dismissed the conference as a “ploy to divert everyone’s attention” from the war.
The International Crisis Group, an advisory firm that works to end conflict, has written that the conference is “unlikely to deliver much of consequence” without a major surprise. Nevertheless, the Swiss summit provides a critical opportunity for Ukraine and its allies to reiterate their commitment to a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the conference gets underway, the war rages on, with shelling and fighting reported on both sides. The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with widespread displacement, poverty, and economic instability affecting millions of people. The international community remains united in its condemnation of Russia’s aggression, and there is a growing sense of urgency to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
