A high-profile summit in Switzerland, with the goal of inducing Russia to cease hostilities in Ukraine, is set to take place this coming Saturday. China’s decision to not participate, however, may dilute the event’s desired effect; this is due mainly to the void left by Russia, who refrained from attending by labelling the summit as pointless. In the absence of China, aspirations to politically corner Moscow appear doubtful, with Kyiv experiencing recent military setbacks. The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has further shifted focus away from Ukraine.
The forthcoming conference is believed to address wider issues stemming from the war, such as nuclear and food security and the freedom of navigation. An initial draft of the concluding statement has identified Russia as the instigator in the fighting, as revealed by insiders.
Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group, who operates as the UN director, contends that “The summit may expose the constraints of Ukrainian diplomacy.” However, he also interprets it as an opportunity for Ukraine to highlight its defence of the UN charter principles globally.
The day prior, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that hostedilities would cease in Ukraine only if Ukraine renounced its aspirations to join the NATO and agreed to cede control of four provinces desired by Moscow – terms that Ukraine rapidly dismissed as equivalent to capitulation. Putin’s list of prerequisites appears to signify Moscow’s conviction that victory in the war is within their grasp.
Moscow frames its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine as a wider battle with the West, which it believes wants to subjugate Russia. This narrative is rebuffed by both Kyiv and Western nations, who accuse Russia of initiating an unwarranted war for territorial gains.
Switzerland took on hosting the summit on the petition of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the goal being to set the stage for potential peace talks that involve Russia. Irrespective of this aim, geopolitical divisions over Europe’s deadliest clash since World War II have plagued the event, with Zelenskiy even alleging that Beijing was aiding Moscow in undermining the summit. China’s foreign ministry sharply debunked these allegations.
China had previously indicated that they may consider participating, but ultimately declined due to Russia’s absence.
Bernardino Regazzoni, ex-Swiss ambassador to China, remarked that China prioritises its unique bond with Russia over any other geopolitical considerations currently. The two-day gathering set to take place at Buergenstock, a mountaintop Swiss resort, has commitments from about 90 nations and organisations. However, the assembly is also challenged by an alternative proposition from China.
Prominent figures planning to attend the event include the US vice-president Kamala Harris, with leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Additionally, India, Hungary, and Turkey, countries known for their congenial connections with Russia, are anticipated to join in.
Relative to February 2022’s deployment of thousands of Russian troops into Ukraine, Russia depicts the concept of a summit without its involvement as “ineffectual”. European officials acknowledge privately the summit’s influence will be minimised without the backing of key allies of Moscow.
Supporters of the Ukrainian cause are planning several activities in the neighbouring city of Lucerne coinciding with the Swiss discussions, hoping to emphasise the human toll of the war. Among the events, a protest seeking the repatriation of prisoners and children sent to Russia is slated.
“What might be Zelenskiy’s expectation from the summit?” remarked ex-Swiss ambassador Daniel Woker. He thinks it could be “Another minor progression towards global support for Ukraine, the casualty of Russian hostilities.” – Reuters
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