China should be invited
Switzerland plans to host peace conference for Ukraine
January 15, 2024, 10:24 pm
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Although Switzerland does not support Ukraine militarily, President Zelensky praised the Alpine republic's humanitarian assistance during his visit to Bern. Switzerland has also expressed interest in hosting a peace summit. As many countries as possible should participate – under one condition.
Switzerland will host a peace summit at Ukraine's request. “Our teams will start preparing a global peace summit in Switzerland from tomorrow,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting with his Swiss counterpart, Viola Amherd, near Bern. But Russia will not be welcome.
“We are open to all countries of the world that respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. From this they can decide who we invite,” Ukraine's president said when asked by a journalist about Russia's possible participation. Countries of the Global South should be represented and “we want to include China.”
Switzerland announced its readiness to organize a summit on a peace formula at the request of the Ukrainian president. The exact mechanisms are still being clarified. No date has been set for the summit. The Swiss president said he and Zelenskiy wanted broad support and a large number of participants.
“It is very important that leading politicians participate in the summit,” Zelensky stressed. “It is important for us to show that the whole world is against Russia's aggression and that the whole world is for a just peace.”
Switzerland asserts its military neutrality in view of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It prohibits the transfer of military equipment to a country at war. In a meeting with Amherd, Zelenskyj praised Switzerland's humanitarian support, particularly in demining. Switzerland has also adopted international sanctions against Moscow. Zelenskyj travels from Bern to Davos. He is participating in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum there.
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