Switzerland has announced that ninety nations from across the globe have committed to attending a conference aimed at charting a path to sustainable peace in Ukraine. However, Russia will not be represented.
Swiss President Viola Amherd informed reporters in Bern on Monday that the objective of the event, scheduled for June 15-16, is to establish a roadmap for ending the conflict that began nearly 28 months ago with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Russia will not participate in the conference, which Switzerland is hosting at the request of Kyiv. Switzerland previously stated that Russia was not invited as it had indicated disinterest in participating.
Moscow contends that Switzerland is no longer a neutral country due to its alignment with sanctions imposed by the European Union.
However, the Swiss government stated that the conference will seek to “jointly define a roadmap” on how to involve both Russia and Ukraine in future peace efforts. Invitation list
Amherd revealed that “a handful” of confirmed participants represent organizations like the United Nations, while the remainder represent countries, with approximately half sending a head of state or government.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to attend. However, US President Joe Biden will not be present; instead, the White House will send Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Amherd dismissed any notion that Switzerland was “disappointed” by the attendance of fewer than 100 countries, despite sending invitations to around 160. The invitation list aimed to garner support from countries with more favorable relations with Moscow than leading Western powers.
Key developing nations such as Turkey and South Africa have yet to confirm their attendance. While India will participate, the level of its representation remains unclear. The final list of participants is anticipated by Friday.
