BURGENSTOCK: World leaders on Sunday backed Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, and the need for eventual talks with Russia on ending the war — but left the critical questions of how and when remain unresolved.
The two-day summit at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland gathered leaders and top officials from over 90 countries, marking a significant diplomatic effort to resolve the largest European conflict since World War II. Notably absent from the summit were representatives from Russia and its ally, China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the event as a diplomatic success, highlighting the international community’s commitment to a just and lasting peace settlement. Zelensky stated that the path was open for a second peace summit, despite Russia’s current stance against engaging in peace talks without Ukrainian territorial concessions.
“Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace,” Zelensky said at the closing press conference. “Russia can start negotiations with us even tomorrow without waiting for anything — if they leave our legal territories.”
The summit’s final communique, endorsed by the majority of participating states, emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also condemned any threats or use of nuclear weapons and stressed that food security must not be weaponized.
The declaration called for the full exchange of prisoners of war and the return of all deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and other civilians. However, several countries did not back the communique.
Swiss President Viola Amherd, who hosted the summit, acknowledged the complexities ahead, stating, “The road ahead is long and challenging.”
The summit took place amid ongoing battles, with Ukraine struggling on the battlefield despite substantial Western military aid. Zelensky noted that the current aid was insufficient for a decisive victory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated demands for Ukraine’s effective surrender as a precondition for peace talks, which include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from annexed territories. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that the situation on the ground was worsening for Ukraine, suggesting that Ukrainian leaders should consider Putin’s demands.
“The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that it’s continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians,” Peskov said.
The Burgenstock summit was framed around common elements from Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan and a 2023 UN resolution on the war, which was supported by 141 countries. The summit focused on topics covered by international law and the United Nations Charter, aiming to sketch out a framework for lasting peace.
Discussions included food security and Black Sea navigation, nuclear safety, and humanitarian issues such as the return of deported children and the welfare of POWs. Chilean President Gabriel Boric emphasized that the summit was about upholding international law and human rights.
“This is about respect of international law and human rights as foundational principles of our living together,” Boric said.
The summit also highlighted the global repercussions of the conflict, particularly on food security and economic stability in poorer regions. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo noted the war’s impact on global inflation and living standards, particularly in Africa.
“The consequences of the invasion go far beyond the confines of Europe. Indeed in many ways, Africa has been the greatest victim,” Akufo-Addo said.
Akufo-Addo and other leaders stressed the importance of involving Russia and China in future peace talks to reach a definitive settlement. Zelensky called for Beijing’s engagement, suggesting that China, despite its ties with Russia, could play a constructive role in the peace process.
“China could help us,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine never said that China is our enemy. I always say that Ukraine has only one enemy: Putin.”
The summit concluded with a commitment to continue diplomatic efforts and broaden international engagement to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
