Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland Excludes Russia

Representatives from 90 countries, including Canada, are set to gather in Switzerland this weekend for a Ukraine peace summit hosted by Switzerland. Notably absent from the talks will be Russia, whose rejection of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace proposals has kept it from participating. The summit aims to forge a united international front and pressure Russia into negotiations.

Despite the absence of Russia and some of its key allies like China, which has refused to attend talks excluding Russia, Ukrainian and Swiss officials remain hopeful about the summit’s potential. U.S. President Joe Biden will not attend, but Vice-President Kamala Harris and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will represent the United States.

“This is an exercise of getting consensus from the rest of the world to show a united front and force Russia to the table,” said Oleh Nikolenko, Ukraine’s consul general in Toronto.

Swiss officials have outlined the summit’s goals to establish a course toward “lasting peace” in Ukraine, achieve a “common understanding,” and develop a “roadmap” for peace talks. The agenda includes discussions on nuclear security, humanitarian aid, and food security.

Swiss President Viola Amherd emphasized the humanitarian focus of the summit, stating, “This is about the basis of humanitarian aid provided by Switzerland, based on fostering peace and providing a platform to initiate a dialogue.”

Ukraine extended invitations to 160 countries, with fewer than 100 confirming their participation. Final participant details will be released Friday. Countries like Brazil and China have declined to participate in talks that exclude Russia, while India has confirmed its attendance. Turkey and South Africa, known for their close ties with Moscow, have yet to announce their involvement.

Security measures for the summit are extensive, with up to 4,000 military personnel deployed to ensure safety. Swiss officials have also noted an increase in cyberattacks leading up to the event.

The absence of President Biden has raised concerns, given that the summit follows closely on the heels of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Italy. Kurt Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, noted the frustration among Ukrainians, who had hoped for greater G7 support and alignment with Biden’s schedule.

As the summit approaches, the international community watches closely, hopeful that despite notable absences, the gathering will inspire meaningful steps toward peace in Ukraine.