Zelensky Offers Peace Talks if Russia Withdraws from Ukrainian Territories
By Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
3 minutes read. Updated 11:00PM GMT Sun, June 16, 2024
In a powerful address at the close of a summit for peace held in Switzerland, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that peace talks could commence tomorrow if Russia withdraws from all Ukrainian territories. Zelensky emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be stopped by any means necessary—be it military or diplomatic.
The summit, attended by representatives from over 90 countries and international organizations, underscored unwavering global support for Ukraine. Despite substantial Western aid, Zelensky pointed out that it was insufficient to secure a definitive victory. However, the widespread international backing remains steadfast.
A final document adopted at the summit firmly blamed Russia for the widespread suffering and destruction caused by the war, with dozens of countries affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Notably, nations like India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia abstained from signing the document.
The summit aimed to galvanize broad international support for ending the war in Ukraine. Russia was not invited, and China, its significant ally, was also absent, raising questions about the summit’s impact.
Among the attendees were nations not typically aligned with Ukraine, including Saudi Arabia, whose foreign minister suggested that Ukraine may need to make tough compromises, and Kenya, which opposed recent sanctions on Russia.
Key points in the final document included calls for Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the exchange of all prisoners, and the return of children abducted by Russia. Contentious issues, such as the status of land under Russian occupation, were deferred for future discussions.
President Zelensky expressed gratitude to world leaders who attended the summit despite Russian pressure. He reaffirmed that Ukraine has always been open to peace talks, but Russia’s presence at the negotiations would indicate genuine willingness for peace. Zelensky also called on China to engage more seriously with peace proposals, respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity as Ukraine respects China’s.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte highlighted the unity among attendees in their quest for peace in Ukraine, despite differing opinions on achieving it. He reiterated fundamental principles against invasion, child abduction, politicizing food supplies, and endangering nuclear safety.
Although it was anticipated that all delegations would endorse a final statement condemning Russia’s invasion, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer indicated that unanimous support was not achieved.
Zelensky announced that the results of the Swiss summit would be communicated to Moscow to facilitate the path toward a second peace summit aimed at ending the war.
Despite Russia’s dismissal of the summit as a waste of time and President Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire contingent on Ukraine’s withdrawal from occupied regions, Western leaders at the summit dismissed such proposals as propaganda.
