Immediate Peace Talks
President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Ukraine will commence peace talks with Russia tomorrow if Moscow withdraws from all Ukrainian territory. He made this statement at the conclusion of a peace summit in Switzerland, emphasising that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be stopped through military or diplomatic means.
International Support Strong
During his address, Zelensky noted that Western aid alone was insufficient to win the war. However, the summit demonstrated that international support for Ukraine remains robust. Dozens of countries committed to upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
Final Document Adoption
The summit concluded with the adoption of a final document that firmly blamed Russia for the widespread suffering and destruction caused by the war. This document called for the restoration of Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the exchange of all prisoners. It also demanded the return of children abducted by Russia, although contentious topics like the status of occupied lands were left for future negotiations.
Global Participation
More than 90 countries and international organisations attended the summit, showcasing a broad spectrum of support. Notably, Russia was not invited, and its key ally China was absent. This led some observers to question the summit’s effectiveness, but Zelensky remained optimistic about the progress made.
Zelensky’s Gratitude
Zelensky expressed gratitude to world leaders who attended the summit despite pressure from Russia. He highlighted that the presence of countries not previously involved in diplomatic efforts signified growing global support for Ukraine. He reiterated that Ukraine has always pursued peace, and Moscow’s participation in negotiations would indicate a genuine willingness for peace.
China’s Role
Addressing China, Zelensky stated that Ukraine respects China’s territorial integrity and expects the same in return. He called on Beijing to engage seriously in developing peace proposals, indicating that China’s involvement could play a crucial role in future peace efforts.
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