By In a significant diplomatic move, nearly 80 countries have called for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the foundation for any peace agreement aimed at ending Russia’s two-year war. However, the joint communique issued at the end of a two-day conference in Switzerland was not signed by some key developing nations, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for diplomacy.
The conference, which was not attended by Russia as it was not invited, brought together about 100 delegations, mostly from Western countries. Notable attendees included presidents and prime ministers from France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Poland, Argentina, Ecuador, Kenya, and Somalia, as well as representatives from the Holy See and the United States, with Vice President Kamala Harris speaking on behalf of the U.S.
However, several countries, including India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, did not sign the final document, which focused on issues such as nuclear safety, food security, and the exchange of prisoners. Brazil, an “observer,” also did not sign, while Turkey did. China did not attend the conference.
The final document, signed by 78 countries, stated that the U.N. Charter and “respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” This stance has been a nonstarter for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who wants Ukraine to cede more territory and abandon its aspirations to join the NATO military alliance.
Swiss President Viola Amherd said that the “great majority” of participants agreed to the final document, demonstrating the power of diplomacy. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis indicated that Switzerland would reach out to Russian authorities, though the message to be conveyed was not specified.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the “first steps toward peace” at the meeting and revealed that Ukraine was in talks with some countries, which he did not name, that had offered to host a “second peace summit.” However, no timetable was provided.
Allies of Ukraine now face the challenge of maintaining momentum toward peace, with Zelenskyy stating that national security advisers would meet in the future and that a specific plan would follow.
The conference’s attendance, with only about half of U.N. member countries participating, highlights the war fatigue and other preoccupations that have emerged since the initial condemnation of Russia’s invasion in March 2022.
Analysts suspect that the conference will have little concrete impact on ending the war, given Russia’s absence and the alternative peace routes being explored by China and Brazil.
The way forward for Ukraine, according to expert Volodymyr Dubovyk, is to receive aid in the form of weapons and humanitarian assistance, which could improve its situation on the ground and provide it with a stronger negotiating position.
As the international community continues to seek a path to peace, the Swiss conference has underscored the challenges that lie ahead, with key players holding differing views on the way forward and the role of concessions in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.
