Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced that peace talks with Russia will be held if Moscow withdraws from all Ukrainian territory. The statement came at the close of a peace summit held in Switzerland, where world leaders gathered to discuss ways to end the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Zelensky emphasized the need to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, whether through military or diplomatic means. He also highlighted the importance of international support for Ukraine, stating that Western aid alone would not be sufficient to win the war.
During the summit, dozens of countries pledged to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity. However, some nations, including India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, did not sign the final document, which held Russia accountable for the suffering and destruction caused by the war.
The summit aimed to garner broad support for initiatives that could lead to peace in Ukraine. More than 90 countries and international organizations attended the gathering, despite the absence of Russia and China, two significant players in the conflict.
Discussions at the summit focused on various key issues, including the release of prisoners, the return of abducted children, and the restoration of Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. While some contentious topics were left for future negotiations, the participants expressed a united commitment to achieving peace in Ukraine.
After the summit, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the world leaders in attendance for demonstrating independence by participating in the event. He stressed the importance of continued international support for Ukraine and called for Moscow’s willingness to engage in peace talks.
The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, echoed the sentiment of unity among attendees in their pursuit of peace in Ukraine. Despite differing opinions on the approach to achieving peace, the leaders shared a common vision based on principles, values, and decency.
As efforts continue to resolve the conflict, Zelensky remains hopeful that the messages conveyed at the summit will pave the way for a second peace gathering with the goal of ending the war definitively. Russia’s response to the summit has been met with skepticism, with President Putin offering a ceasefire conditionally on Ukraine’s withdrawal from certain regions.
Overall, the summit in Switzerland served as a platform for world leaders to reaffirm their support for Ukraine and explore diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crisis.