KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Russia should be represented at a second Ukraine Peace Summit aiming to secure lasting peace with Moscow, after more than two years of war.
Ukraine received international support at a high-level summit last month that excluded Moscow.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized the importance of Russian representation at the upcoming summit, asserting that dialogue involving all stakeholders is crucial for advancing peace negotiations in the war-torn region.
“I believe that Russian representatives should be at the second summit,” Zelensky stated. He underscored his commitment to inclusive diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that has endured for over two years.
The Ukrainian leader outlined plans for preparatory meetings on critical topics such as energy security in Qatar and food security in Turkey ahead of the second summit to address multifaceted challenges impacting Ukraine and the broader region.
Last month’s summit in Switzerland drew support from over 90 world leaders who convened to discuss strategies for ending the conflict in Ukraine, which has been declared as the largest European conflict since World War II. Russia’s absence from the summit prompted criticism from the Kremlin, terming talks excluding Russia as “absurd.”
Addressing concerns over potential shifts in US foreign policy towards Ukraine, particularly in light of upcoming US elections, Zelensky expressed confidence in maintaining strong bilateral relations regardless of electoral outcomes. Responding to queries about a possible return to the presidency by Donald Trump, Zelensky affirmed readiness to collaborate with any US administration.
“I think that if Donald Trump becomes president, we will work together. I’m not worried about this,” Zelensky reassured. Zelensky said that during his recent trip to the US for a NATO defence alliance summit he had met Republican governors and was assured of the party’s backing.
“I want to tell you that the majority of the Republican Party supports Ukraine and the people of Ukraine,” he added.
Trump previously said during a debate with President Joe Biden that if elected, he would have the Ukraine conflict “settled” before he took office in January 2025.
