Zelensky urges Biden to attend Ukraine peace summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged US President Joe Biden to attend a peace summit scheduled for mid-June in Switzerland. Zelensky emphasised that Biden’s absence would be a significant setback, potentially encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Reports indicate that both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are likely to miss the summit, although some US representation is expected. The summit, planned for months, is set to take place at the luxury Bürgenstock hotel overlooking Lake Lucerne. The initiative for this event came from Zelensky’s suggestion to former Swiss President Alain Berset.
The Swiss government has invited over 160 countries to the summit, aiming to provide a platform for discussing paths to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on international law and the UN Charter. However, Russia will not be attending, as it was not invited, and the Kremlin has expressed no intention of participating.
Despite these challenges, around 70 countries have confirmed their participation, with President Zelensky asserting the number is closer to 90. Notable attendees include European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with representatives from African and Middle Eastern states.
Swiss President Viola Amherd has tempered expectations, noting that the summit may not immediately result in a peace deal. Key topics include the exchange of political prisoners, the safety of nuclear plants, and the return of abducted children. The complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, a primary demand of Kyiv, remains uncertain as an agenda item.
The Swiss government views this summit as the beginning of a peace process, with the potential for a follow-up conference that might include Russia.
