Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a statement aired on Saturday, expressed optimism about organizing a global peace summit in Switzerland, aiming for participation from 80 to 100 countries.
This announcement comes amidst ongoing conflicts, with Zelenskiy collaborating closely with Swiss President Viola Amherd to finalize a date for the event.
Despite previous suggestions for such a summit, Ukraine has firmly stated that Russia would not be invited, a stance that Russia criticizes, arguing that its exclusion renders the meeting futile.
During a television interview, Zelenskiy elaborated on the logistics of setting up the summit, indicating that the coordination for the event date would be directly between him and President Amherd before extending invitations to leaders worldwide.
He underscored the significance of gathering a broad coalition of countries, believing this could potentially compel Russia towards a just peace.
“We expect to have 80 to 100 countries,” he remarked, emphasizing the scale of international support Ukraine seeks to mobilize against Russian aggression.
The conversation further revealed that while the specific participants have not been finalized, discussions to solidify these details are imminent.
Zelenskiy’s comments came during his visit to the Chernihiv region, where he inspected ongoing fortification efforts, signaling a strategic preparation amidst the broader pursuit of diplomatic resolutions.
Zelenskiy also commented on Turkey’s position and its potential role in mediating the conflict.
He expressed gratitude towards Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for his supportive stance and mediation efforts.
However, Zelenskiy noted that Turkey’s complex relations with Russia and other interests make it insufficient as the sole mediator, although it remains a key player in the broader mediation landscape.
“Turkey as a mediator is not enough for us,” he stated, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to negotiation and mediation.
Addressing the summit’s complexity, Zelenskiy acknowledged the intricate web of historical and current relationships among the participating countries, Russia, Europe, and beyond.
The summit’s format, he admitted, would require careful consideration and consensus on the way forward.
“Nevertheless, get all of them together, find the format, the way we go forward, and agree on it,” he concluded, emphasizing the ambitious goal of achieving peace through widespread international cooperation.