Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Swiss counterpart Viola Amherd, in a brief statement to the media, expressed their hopes for the ongoing peace conference in Bürgenstock to be a historic turning point for Ukraine.
"Today is a day of our shared success. We have truly given diplomacy a chance," Zelensky said.
"Ukraine never wanted this war. It's a criminal and absolutely unprovoked aggression by Russia," the Ukrainian leader added, with Swiss President Amherd echoing his sentiments about the unimaginable suffering and violation of international law caused by Russia's full-scale invasion.
The summit boasts participation from over 50 heads of state, alongside foreign ministers and delegations from many other countries, including the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Poland is represented by the the country's President Andrzej Duda.
The absence of US President Joe Biden and China's delegation has, however, tempered some expectations.
Addressing leaders gathered around a giant rectangular table, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated the large turnout at the summit. "Today is the day when the world begins to bring a just peace closer," he told them.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the need to involve more countries in the peace process, asserting, "The inclusion of more countries is vital for crafting a robust peace plan for Ukraine."
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan criticized Russia's latest peace proposal as "completely absurd" and suggested China's non-attendance was likely influenced by Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that he would agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine pulled its troops out of four regions that Russia partially occupies and claims to have annexed.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly rejected Putin's ceasefire terms. Meloni dismissed the proposal as "propaganda" and stated it effectively suggested that Ukraine "must withdraw from Ukraine." Scholz labeled it a "dictatorial peace."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned against freezing the conflict, describing it as a "recipe for future wars of aggression." She called for a "comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace" that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Finland's President Alexander Stubb emphasized the need for continuous efforts towards peace, noting Finland's historical conflict with Russia. "Peace is always a process," he remarked.
Source: Reuters
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