Peace summit could be first step towards freezing war — political expert Rozumnyi

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

“We need to understand that along with the main front, we still have a political and informational one. The Peace Summit should be seen as a political and diplomatic confrontation. In this case, the situation is such that we are talking about maneuvers. Because, for example, China is very cautious about this summit. It is not known whether Beijing will send a representative to the Peace Summit. It is also likely that US President Joe Biden will not attend the summit either,” Rozumnyi said.

The political expert believes that everything indicates that a plan to freeze the war is being considered.

“The peace summit is taking on the appearance of a far-reaching preparation for a war freeze. Let's call a spade a spade. Many people are already talking about it. In particular, the need to freeze the war. Perhaps without political conditions and understanding of how the situation will develop further. However, the plans that are already being voiced point to just such a development,” he added.

Peace Summit: event details

On February 26, Switzerland announced its intention to hold a peace summit in Ukraine by the summer. The Kremlin said that organizing such an event without Russia was “not serious and even ridiculous.”

On March 18, Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland Wang Shihting said that China was considering participating in the Peace Summit organized by Switzerland at Ukraine's request.

On May 2, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said that Russia should participate in the Peace Summit, as “a peace process without Russia is unthinkable.” However, Moscow was not invited to the event this year.

On the same day, Ukrainian President Zelensky said that the Summit would be the first real chance to restore peace.

The Peace Summit is expected to develop a common negotiating position for Ukraine, which will be submitted to Russia's top leadership, according to the president's spokesman, Serhiy Nikiforov. 

On Sunday, May 26, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that over 80 countries had confirmed their participation in the Peace Summit to be held in Switzerland on June 15-16.