Russia is not coming

Ukraine war: Switzerland invites to peace conference

Ukrainian soldiers are doing unimaginable things day in, day out.(Bild: AFP)

The Swiss government is inviting people to a two-day Ukraine peace conference in mid-June. This was reported by the Reuters agency on Wednesday. However, the aggressor Russia has already made it clear that it does not want to take part in the high-level meeting.

The government in Bern had announced in January that it would organize a peace summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, after which the Swiss government held talks with EU and G7 states as well as China and India to sound out their support. The meeting is expected to take place on June 15 and 16.

Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) attributes a key role to Turkey in the possible end to the war in Ukraine. "I believe that Turkey is still important because it is recognized by both sides (...)", he said in an interview with the German weekly newspaper "Die Zeit". In the interview, which was transmitted in advance, Nehammer outlined a comprehensive scenario that he believes could lead to an end to the war in Ukraine.

Chancellor Nehammer once again emphasized the importance of continuing to support Ukraine.(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Nehammer wants to make a contribution
In addition to Turkey, "India or China are very important", said Nehammer. "Also the USA and then, of course, Germany and France. If I can make a contribution, I will be happy to do so (...)", added the Chancellor.

The ÖVP leader explained his path towards peace as follows. "We can see that states that have a major influence on the Russian Federation do not share the West's line. This includes Brazil, India, China and South Africa. It is important to develop a strategy together with these states."

Chance for peace
Nehammer referred to the peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi - "in my view, this is the basis for discussion". This is "the Ukrainian position". "The question is how to get one of these players, such as India or China, to think about this format. If that succeeds, then there is a chance that there can actually be peace," said the Chancellor.

Until then, it is also "so important to provide Ukraine with massive support (...) so that the Russian side sees that this war of attrition is of no use to anyone". In any case, there is "only a solution with Ukraine. And if it is supported by the Ukrainian population." At the same time, Russia "cannot be excluded" from Europe. "This means that after the war, it will be important to find ways to get along again. Of course, this also means great flexibility on the Russian side."

Selenskyj calls for complete Russian withdrawal
Selenskyj's ten-point plan envisages a complete Russian withdrawal from all occupied territories in Ukraine as well as reparations and punishment of war criminals. The demand for a complete withdrawal also includes the Ukrainian territories annexed by Russia.