Peace conference for Ukraine/ Zelenskyy: History will be written in Switzerland

2024-06-15 16:03:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Peace conference for Ukraine/ Zelenskyy: History will be written in Switzerland

Volodymyr Zelensky, photo source: foreign media

A two-day meeting regarding the achievement of peace in Ukraine started today in Lucerne, Switzerland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press conference with Swiss President Viola Amherd that "history will be written" in this meeting. But experts and critics say little progress is expected at the meeting, with Russia not participating.

A two-day meeting began in Switzerland on Saturday, where it is intended to take the first steps towards peace in Ukraine, although experts and critics say that little progress is expected, while Russia is not participating.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press conference with Swiss President Viola Amherd that "history will be written" in this meeting. He said that this meeting had achieved the expected success.

"We have managed to bring back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace. I believe that we will witness that history is being made here at this meeting," said Mr. Zelenskyy.

US Vice President Kamala Harris announced more than $1.5 billion in aid in part for Ukraine's energy sector and humanitarian situation. Ms Harris made the announcement after arriving at the meeting which started on Saturday in Luzerne, Switzerland.

"This assistance will help Ukraine respond to Russia's recent attacks on energy infrastructure by supporting their repair and recovery, improving Ukraine's resilience to power disruptions, and laying the groundwork for the repair and expansion of its energy system." Ukraine", says a statement issued by the US vice president's office.

She also announced that $379 million will be provided in humanitarian aid from the State Department and the US Agency for International Development to help refugees and other people affected by the war.

Swiss officials expect about 50 heads of state and government to participate in this conference. About 100 delegations, including leaders of the European Union and the United Nations will be present.

Experts say Russia's non-participation leaves little chance of success

Meanwhile, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have sent their foreign ministers, while major developing countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa will be represented at lower levels.

Beijing is not participating in this meeting, arguing that it is a waste of time as long as Moscow does not participate.

Ukraine's peace plan drawn up by President Zelenskyy outlines 10 proposals that summarize the president's views on ending the war against Russian aggression, now in its third year.

The plan presents ambitious goals, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian territory, the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of Ukraine's state borders with Russia, including Crimea.

This is an unlikely outcome at this stage of this war, as Ukraine is unable to negotiate from a position of strength. The Russian military has the upper hand in firepower and troop numbers, while Kiev's momentum has been stalled by delays in Western military supplies. For this reason, it is likely that the most controversial elements of the plan will not be debated, experts say.

Only three topics will be on the meeting table: nuclear security, including the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; humanitarian aid; and food security, not only in Ukraine but globally, particularly the widespread effects of the war on Ukraine's agricultural production and exports.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Swiss meeting "a ploy to divert attention". The Russian president offered a plan for a cease-fire in Ukraine and the start of talks if Kiev begins to withdraw troops from the four regions of Ukraine annexed by Moscow in 2022 and abandon plans for NATO membership./ VOA