The Swiss government said on Thursday (2) that “at this stage” Russia is not among the dozens of countries invited to a summit to be held in the country in mid-June with the aim of helping to promote peace in the conflict. between Moscow and Ukraine.
The Swiss government, which is inviting more than 160 delegations, said it has always shown openness to inviting Russia. However, Moscow has repeatedly stressed that it has no interest in participating in initial discussions, he added.
“Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be involved in this process,” the Swiss government said in a statement. “A peace process without Russia is not possible.”
The Ukrainian government, in turn, has questioned the usefulness of Russian participation in the talks that will be held on June 15 and 16, near the Swiss city of Lucerne.
“We know that it makes no sense to have Russia at the table if it is not possible to guarantee that it acts in good faith,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with Foreign Policy magazine published this week.
Kuleba said putting pressure on Russia on the battlefield and bringing together countries “that share principles” should help make Moscow more willing to talk.
Russian officials point to Switzerland's adoption of European Union sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and argue that the country therefore lacks credibility as a neutral mediator.
In January, Switzerland said it would host the summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Swiss government said the discussions will be based on Zelensky's peace formula and other peace proposals in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and fundamental principles of international law.
The invited delegations include members of the G7, G20, BRICS, EU, international organizations and two religious representatives, Switzerland said.
The discussions aim to create a framework for lasting peace and a roadmap for Russia's participation in the process, the Swiss government said.
“The overall objective of the summit is to inspire a future peace process,” he said.
*Dave Graham contributed to this report.
Source: CNN Brasil
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