The absence of a key player looms large over the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Some say that Russia’s continued military assault on Ukraine undermines the credibility of any negotiations it participates in and its aggression should not be rewarded with a seat at the negotiation table.
Others contend that engaging with all relevant parties, including Russia, is essential to achieving lasting peace.
While Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine cannot be ignored, neither can its significance as a key player in any peace negotiations.
The Kremlin has labelled a planned Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland as “futile” without the participation of Russia.
The summit will be held in Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024, and it aims to build on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan, and other proposals based on the UN Charter.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have confirmed that they will be attending the conference.
Swiss President, Viola Amherd disclosed that the peace summit planned by Switzerland has so far drawn delegations from more than 50 countries.
“We are striving for broad participation, of course not only from Western countries, but also from other regions,” she added.
Nicolas Bideau, head of communications at the Swiss Foreign Ministry, Bideau said Switzerland did not invite Russia, as “it keeps saying that it is not interested.”
Commenting on the conference, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “It is pointless to discuss a settlement in Ukraine in the absence of Russia, it is a futile approach.”
“This conference itself, from our point of view, can hardly be considered a serious attempt to find ways to a settlement, it is impossible,” the spokesman said.
“It is absolutely useless to discuss security issues that concern us without Russia. Most likely, it will be such an empty scholasticism with no prospects for any tangible result.”
Dmitry Peskov
Russia’s absence from the negotiations raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of the summit. How can a comprehensive peace plan be crafted without the involvement of the primary actor in the conflict?
Zelensky previously ruled out Russia’s participation in the event, as it continues to attack Ukraine on a daily basis.
The Ukrainian government has said Russia does not negotiate in good faith.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to rule out Russia’s participation is understandable given the ongoing attacks on his country.
However, it is precisely because of these attacks that Russia’s involvement is necessary. Without addressing Russia’s concerns and grievances, any peace plan risks being nothing more than a temporary ceasefire.
Bideau admitted that the conference will not reach its desired outcome without Russia’s cooperation.
“We will not make peace, as such, at Burgenstock (in Switzerland), but we would really like to launch a process that involves Russia. That is why we are staying in contact with it,” Bideau added.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that Moscow has to be at a peace summit “sooner or later,” even if it does not attend its first meeting.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba in Kyiv, “If [Russian President Vladimir] Putin showed any interest in seriously engaging in negotiations, I’m sure Ukrainians will respond to that,” he said.
Inclusive Dialogue Needed
While Russia’s actions in Ukraine may be reprehensible, they cannot be overlooked if genuine progress is to be made towards peace.
Dialogue, no matter how difficult, is essential for finding common ground and forging a path towards reconciliation.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova said that Western countries were using the word ‘peace’ as a smokescreen for their genuine aspirations. She added that there were no signs that “the collective West does view peace in the region as its goal.”
Putin, in an interview with China’s news agency published on the Kremlin’s website said that Russia was open to a dialogue on Ukraine to achieve peace, but the talks should take into account its interests and proceed together with discussions on global stability and reliable security guarantees.
However, the Russian leader noted that he saw problems with the reliability of such guarantees on the part of the West.
The international community must recognize the importance of inclusivity in peace talks.
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