The Ukraine Peace Summit will take place on June 15-16, 2024, at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, near Lake Lucerne. The summit has been organised at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The summit is the highest-level event yet in Ukraine’s “peace formula” initiative. It follows four lower-level conferences held since June 2023.
This comes amid the Ukraine-Russia war that has entered its third year.
High Level Participation For Peace
At the upcoming global peace summit, Ukraine hopes to increase support from other countries for its peace plan. A crucial factor in evaluating the summit will be the high level of international participation.
It will act as a forum for discussion, fostering a shared comprehension of a peace framework and outlining a plan of action for incorporating both sides in the peace process.
By building on discussions about the Ukrainian peace formula and the fundamentals of international law, the summit seeks to create a framework for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
The 10 Point Peace Plan
The summit is part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to secure diplomatic support for its 10 Point Plan for peace, which includes full withdrawal of Russian troops and accountability for war crimes committed by Russia.
What is the ‘Peace Formula’? Ukrainian president Zelensky proposed his "formula for peace" in Ukraine in 2020. The "peace formula" consists of 10 points that should stop Russian aggression and ensure Ukraine's security.
- Radiation and nuclear security.
- Food security.
- energy security.
- Release of all prisoners and deportees.
- Implementation of the UN Charter and restoration of territorial integrity and world order.
- Withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities.
- Justice (creation of a special tribunal against Russia).
- The need for immediate protection of nature.
- Prevention of escalation.
- Fixing the end of the war - signing the document.
Out of these 10 Points, Ukraine selected three points which have more resonance with other nations, in order to have a more robust presence at the summit.
- Free navigation: protecting port infrastructure in the Black Sea and global food security.
- Energy and nuclear security: an end to strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
- Exchange of captives and a return of children illegally abducted to Russia.
West To be Present in Majority
Over 160 delegations have been invited, so far 107 countries and international organisations have pledged to attend the event. These Include most of the countries from Europe and West allies.
This includes a diverse group of nations from various continents, including members of the G7 and G20 groups.
U.S. President Joe Biden will miss the summit to attend a campaign fundraiser. The White House has confirmed that Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would attend instead.
This absence has disappointed Zelensky, he said “would be met by an applause by Putin.”
Russia Not Invitited
Russia has not been invited to the summit. However, Without participation from both sides of the conflict, it can be difficult to assess how productive such events are in concrete terms.
China Outright Denies Its Presence
China has declined to go to the summit, even though Kyiv has made an effort to secure its attendance. Only one of the prior lower-level conferences, which took place in August in Saudi Arabia, was attended by it.
The Ukrainian leader Zelensky while in Singapore last week told a security conference that China was helping Russian efforts disrupt the peace conference set for June 15-16 by pressuring leaders of other countries not to attend.
China has been calling for a peace conference with equal participation of all sides, including Russia.
Dilemma in Global South
The participation of countries from the Global South is being actively pursued to ensure a balanced and inclusive discussion. In addition to Ukraine’s Western allies, invitations were also extended to representatives from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Asia has been the most interesting take on the summit, some accepted, some showed hesitation to attend the summit. Saudi Arabia has bowed out. Southeast nations, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have confirmed their Presence. Whether Malaysia will send a delegation to Switzerland remains unclear.
What about India?
India has not yet decided how much of a role it will play in the Summit on Peace. Top officials, such as the minister of external affairs and prime minister, will not represent New Delhi in the summit.
Overall, as few days left in the peace summit, all the world eyes upon possible solutions to bring an end to this long ongoing Russian-Ukraine war. However, not inviting Russia, will make it more difficult to achieve negotiations. While west aligns with Ukraine, many 'Global South' hesitates to take sides.
(Inputs from agencies)
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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