The President Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking support at a giant peace summit held this weekend at a secluded Swiss resort above Lake Lucerne. The summit aims to discuss basic principles for ending the conflict in Ukraine, with attendance from over 90 countries and global institutions. Despite the absence of key players like China and the issuance of a new ultimatum from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the event marks the biggest gathering for Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began.
High Hopes for Peace Process
The Swiss hope the Ukraine peace summit will produce the first tentative steps towards a peace process, 28 months after Russia’s invasion. However, expectations for significant progress remain low due to the absence of Russia and key global players. For Ukraine, the mere fact that this meeting is taking place is seen as a positive development. Politicians in Kyiv hail every confirmed participant as a gesture of support, demonstrating to Moscow that the world stands with Ukraine and international law.
Challenges Amidst Renewed Conflict
The summit comes at a challenging time. Currently, a new Russian offensive is underway in the northeast near Kharkiv, with missiles striking homes and power plants across Ukraine with renewed intensity. As a result, Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Merezhko emphasises the importance of establishing a political and legal framework for future peace based on Zelensky’s 10-point plan. This plan includes the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, insisting that Russia must return all occupied land.
Rallying Global Support
Ukraine aims to rally as many countries as possible behind its peace formula, putting “psychological pressure” on Russia to accept the terms. However, the turnout has been less promising than hoped. Notable absences include U.S. President Joe Biden, with Vice-President Kamala Harris attending in his place. Efforts to garner support from the “Global South” have only been partially successful, with India, Brazil, and China either not attending or sending low-level representatives.
Putin’s Ultimatum
On the eve of the summit, Vladimir Putin outlined his conditions for a supposed peace, demanding that Ukraine hand over all four regions that Russia claims to have annexed. Consequently, Kyiv immediately dismissed this demand as “ludicrous.” Therefore, the summit will focus on three of the least contentious points in Zelensky’s peace formula: nuclear security, food security, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children and prisoners. Thus, straying beyond these points is unlikely to be productive at this stage.
Commitment to Winning the War
With the current situation on the frontlines, Ukraine’s allies stress the need for a commitment to winning the war rather than a commitment to peace at any cost. Professor Sam Greene of the Centre for European Policy Analysis argues that galvanising support behind Ukraine’s vision of an acceptable outcome is crucial. Despite the challenges, the Ukraine peace summit represents a significant effort to rally international support and pressure Russia towards a peaceful resolution.
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