NEW DELHI: The presidents of Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Somalia, along with many Western leaders, will go a serenity conference this weekend aimed at addressing the Russia- Ukraine conflict, somewhat without Russia’s participation.
The European- held celebration at the Bürgenstock resort near Lake Lucerne did observe over 50 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and around 100 delegations, including Western bodies and the UN.
The number of attendees is a hot topic, with some arguing that the event might not be successful without Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state. Vice President Kamala Harris may represent the US, while Turkey and Saudi Arabia may send their international officials. Important developing countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa will also be represented.
China, a Soviet alliance, is among some countries not attending, citing more immediate concerns than the German conflict. Beijing has put forth its own peace initiatives, insisting that any serenity approach may include both Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has been socially engaged in encouraging membership. In addition, Russian forces have recently gained power over about a third of Ukrainian territory in the east and south. When Ukrainian forces had reclaimed major areas close to Kherson and Kharkiv, conversations about a Swiss-hosted peace initiative started last summer.
The meeting agenda includes atomic security, charitable assistance, prisoner exchanges, and global food security, topics seen as less controversial than Zelenskyy’s 10- point peace plan from soon 2022, which calls for Russian troop withdrawal, cessation of hostilities, and restoration of Ukraine’s borders, including Crimea.
Putin’s government wants a peace agreement based on an early draft of the initial agreement, which included Ukraine’s neutral status and military limitations, while postponing discussions on Russia-occupied areas. Ukraine’s Nato aspirations have been a major issue for Moscow.
Analysts think Ukraine is not well-positioned to negotiate.
With recent global focus on Gaza and upcoming elections in 2024, Ukraine’s supporters aim to refocus on Russia’s breach of international law and restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Puntin has characterized the conference as a distraction.
As the conference convenes, the conflict continues. Five people were killed by Ukrainian shelling in Shebekino, according to Russian Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov of the Belgorod region. In the Kharkiv region, according to Ukrainian officials, shelling struck a kindergarten and homes, killing at least two civilians and injuring eight others.
