As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, the international community is working towards finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The Ukrainian government has announced plans for a peace conference to be held in Switzerland in mid-June, taking advantage of Joe Biden’s presence in Europe for the G7 summit in Puglia. The goal is to avoid the conference being too close to the American elections in November.
The involvement of countries from the ‘Global South’ is crucial, as Russia’s participation is seen as decisive. However, Moscow has not been invited and will not be in attendance, as announced by the Russian embassy in Bern. Despite this setback, the Ukrainians aim to have 80-90 countries, especially from the Global South, at the conference. The presence of China is also important, but it may not attend if Russia is not there.
President Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan aligned with the UN Charter is the main focus, with plans for mini-summits on specific points. The ultimate goal is to force Russia to accept the peace plan through a series of conferences. However, some countries in the Global South continue to do business with Russia and Moscow opposes any diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. European countries and the United States continue to support Zelensky’s peace efforts but stress the need for Global South participation to avoid
