world leaders convened in Switzerland this Saturday for a high-stakes summit aimed at exerting diplomatic pressure on Russia to end its ongoing war in Ukraine. The absence of major Russian allies, such as China, has somewhat tempered expectations regarding the summit’s potential impact. Despite this, dozens of Ukraine’s allies are participating, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Kyiv in its time of need.
China’s Absence and its Implications
China’s decision to abstain from the summit, following Russia’s exclusion, has raised questions about the effectiveness of isolating Moscow. The absence of Beijing, a critical player on the global stage, underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. With recent military setbacks in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Gaza diverting international attention, Kyiv faces significant challenges in maintaining global focus on its plight.
Summit Focus and Anticipated Outcomes
The summit’s agenda extends beyond the immediate conflict, addressing broader issues such as food security, nuclear safety, and freedom of navigation—areas significantly impacted by the war. A draft of the final declaration explicitly identifies Russia as the aggressor, a stance that underscores the summit’s alignment with Ukraine’s position.
Richard Gowan, U.N. Director at the International Crisis Group, remarked, “The summit risks showing the limits of Ukrainian diplomacy. Nonetheless, it is also a chance for Ukraine to remind the world that it is defending the principles of the U.N. Charter.”
Moscow’s Stance and Conditions for Peace
On the eve of the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia’s conditions for ending the war. Moscow demands that Kyiv abandon its NATO ambitions and cede control of four contested provinces. Ukraine has firmly rejected these demands, viewing them as tantamount to surrender.
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Putin’s stance reflects Moscow’s growing confidence in its military position. Russia continues to frame its military actions in Ukraine as part of a broader confrontation with the West, which it accuses of attempting to subjugate Russia. This narrative is firmly rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies, who view Russia’s actions as an unlawful war of conquest.
Switzerland’s Role and the Path to Peace
Switzerland, hosting the summit at the behest of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aims to lay the groundwork for a future peace process that includes Russia. However, deep geopolitical divides over the war have cast a shadow over the event. Zelenskiy has even accused China of aiding Russia in undermining the summit, an allegation Beijing has denied.
China initially considered participating but ultimately decided against it due to Russia’s exclusion. Bernardino Regazzoni, a former Swiss ambassador to China, noted, “It’s clear that at the moment, in geopolitical terms, for China the special relationship with Russia takes precedence over any other consideration.”
Summit Participation and Expectations
The summit, taking place at the Buergenstock resort in central Switzerland, has attracted representatives from around 90 countries and organizations. High-profile attendees include U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Canada, and Japan. Nations with more nuanced relations with Russia, such as India, Turkey, and Hungary, are also participating.
Despite Russia’s dismissive stance on the summit, calling it “futile,” Ukraine’s supporters are marking the occasion with various events in nearby Lucerne. These activities aim to highlight the humanitarian toll of the war, including a demonstration advocating for the return of prisoners and children taken to Russia.
European Officials on Summit’s Impact
European officials have privately conceded that the summit’s impact will be limited without the involvement of Russia’s key allies. Daniel Woker, a former Swiss ambassador, encapsulated the sentiment by saying, “What can Zelenskiy hope for out of it? Another small step forward in international solidarity with Ukraine as the victim of Russian aggression.”
