Swiss, Saudi leaders call for Russian involvement in peace process
3 Min Read
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rejected the idea of freezing the Ukraine conflict, advocating instead for comprehensive support towards achieving a just and sustainable peace that upholds Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrive at a news conference during the Ukraine peace summit in Buergenstock, Switzerland, June 15, 2024. (AP)
At the summit hosted in Switzerland, both Swiss President Viola Amherd and Saudi Arabia's foreign minister voiced the critical role of Russian participation in achieving a sustainable peace process for Ukraine.
"The peace process without Russia is inconceivable," Amherd said while stressing the necessity for both parties to engage in dialogue beyond armed conflicts.
Echoing similar views, the Saudi foreign minister stated, "It is essential to emphasize that any credible process will need Russia's participation."
These remarks were made during discussions at the high-level conference held at Buergenstock Resort near Lucerne on June 15-16. The event has drawn representatives from around 100 countries and organizations.
#UAPeaceSummit | The Opening Plenary has started with remarks by 🇨🇠President @Violapamherd:
— Swiss MFA (@SwissMFA) June 15, 2024
« Our aim is to launch a broadly supported process, where voices from all corners of the globe can discuss their ideas and points of view. »#PathToPeace pic.twitter.com/UIF6jBozip
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rejected the idea of freezing the Ukraine conflict, advocating instead for comprehensive support towards achieving a just and sustainable peace that upholds Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Freezing the conflict today … is not an answer ... Instead, we need to support a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, one that restores Ukraine's sovereignty and its territorial integrity," von der Leyen said.
She attributed current global economic challenges partly to Russia's actions amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent sanctions.
Read more: Argentina's president to join Ukraine summit in Switzerland
Earlier today, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik that discussions on peace in Ukraine are not part of the agenda at the Swiss-hosted summit, and Russian President Vladimir Putin's ceasefire proposals are not being considered.
When asked whether rejecting Russia's peace proposal in Switzerland would close the issue, Peskov said, "The issue of peace in Ukraine is not being discussed in Switzerland. The discussions in Switzerland are focused on humanitarian and near-humanitarian issues."
Peskov added that Putin's proposal for talks on the situation in Ukraine received numerous non-constructive official reactions from summit participants in Switzerland.
"Many official reactions, official statements of a non-constructive nature," Peskov told reporters.
Peskov added that the Kremlin had "nothing to convey" to the participants of the Swiss summit. He also expressed Russia's hope for a more "constructive and promising event" in the future to discuss the Ukraine issue.
Read more: Putin's peace proposal 'not an ultimatum': Kremlin spox
