Switzerland says Russia should participate in Peace Summit, but not this year

The press service of the Swiss Foreign Ministry made the statement.

It noted that Switzerland has invited over 160 delegations from around the world to join the Peace Summit, which will be held on June 15-16, 2024, in the resort of Bürgenstock.

"The summit will build on the discussions that have taken place in recent months, notably the Ukrainian peace formula and other peace proposals based on the UN Charter and key principles of international law," the statement said.

The main purpose of the event is to promote a peaceful resolution of the war.

"Switzerland has a long tradition of promoting dialogue. Thus, it considers the exchange of different views on the way to peace in Ukraine of vital importance," the Foreign Ministry said.

At the same time, as for Russia's participation, it is pointed out that the Kremlin itself has declared its unwillingness to participate in the summit.

"Russia has not been invited at this stage. Switzerland has always shown openness to extending an invitation to Russia for this Summit. However, Russia has said repeatedly and also publicly that it has no interest in participating in this first Summit," the ministry said.

At the same time, they noted that Russia should participate in similar events in the future.

"Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be involved in this process. A peace process without Russia is unthinkable," the ministry summarized.

• On February 26, Switzerland announced its intention to hold a summit on peace in Ukraine by the summer. The Kremlin said that organizing such an event without Russia was "frivolous 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.