A major conference in Switzerland has drawn nearly 100 countries and organizations to discuss a path towards peace between Ukraine and Russia. Notably absent from the delegation is Moscow, as the meeting near Lucerne aims to address the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in attendance to garner support for his 10-point peace plan, which includes demands for a cessation of hostilities, restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, withdrawal of Russian troops, and the establishment of a special tribunal for prosecuting war crimes.
Western governments, including the US, France, Germany, the UK, and Japan, are represented at senior levels. US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to announce an aid package exceeding $1.5 billion to assist Kyiv in rebuilding infrastructure and addressing humanitarian needs arising from the conflict.
However, China has opted not to attend, insisting that both Russia and Ukraine should be present for meaningful discussions. Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated its own peace plan, which includes demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from certain regions and abandonment of NATO aspirations.
Despite modest gains by Russian forces in some Ukrainian regions, President Vladimir Putin's proposal faces resistance from Ukraine. Zelensky has criticized Putin's stance, likening it to historical aggressions and expressing determination to prevent a frozen conflict.
As tensions persist and casualties mount, Zelensky emphasizes global support for Ukraine and condemns what he perceives as ultimatums from Putin. The summit serves as a critical platform for diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict and pave the way for lasting peace.
