NewsUkraine invites 160 countries to Swiss summit on Zelensky's peace plan, opens to Russia's possible participation

Ukraine invites 160 countries to Swiss summit on Zelensky's peace plan, opens to Russia's possible participation

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is speaking during a joint media conference with President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, following their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 24, 2024, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European officials and Canada's Prime Minister are visiting the capital, Kyiv, on the second anniversary of the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is speaking during a joint media conference with President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, following their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 24, 2024, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European officials and Canada's Prime Minister are visiting the capital, Kyiv, on the second anniversary of the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Images source: © GETTY | NurPhoto

4:40 PM EST, February 25, 2024

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Yermak emphasized the importance of in-person meetings between leaders to discuss the peace plan, which has been the subject of ambassadorial and advisory deliberations for months.

Yermak stressed that the summit will host leaders with diverse motivations and views on how to conclude the Ukrainian conflict. However, all participants respect Ukraine's 1991 internationally-defined boundaries, independence, and sovereignty.

Invitation to Russia: a possible scenario

Yermak hinted at a possibility where representatives of the Russian Federation could be invited to a subsequent summit to present the peace plan, given the representation comes from someone who "truly desires to bring an end to the war".

On Friday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, announced at the UN General Assembly forum that Switzerland plans to host a high-level peace conference addressing the Ukraine issue before this summer.

Zelensky's Approach to Peace

The Ukrainian leadership seeks support for President Zelensky's 10-point peace plan. The plan encompasses the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, and the release of all wartime prisoners, among other points.

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