World leaders gathered at a Swiss mountain resort on Saturday for talks on Ukraine's peace proposals. More than 90 countries attended, but China's absence dimmed hopes for isolating Russia globally. Recent military setbacks have weakened Ukraine, while global attention has been diverted by the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The summit discussed broader issues from the war, including food and nuclear security. Turkey and Saudi Arabia, potential hosts for future talks, emphasized the need for Russia's involvement to achieve meaningful progress.
A draft summit declaration blames Russia's 'war' in Ukraine for causing 'large-scale human suffering and destruction.' It calls for Ukraine's territorial integrity, control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and access to sea ports to be respected.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the summit a success, aiming to bring a just peace closer. U.S. President Joe Biden sent Vice President Kamala Harris, announcing over $1.5 billion in aid for Ukraine's energy and humanitarian needs.
Before the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested ending the war if Kyiv dropped NATO ambitions and ceded disputed provinces. Ukraine and its allies rejected these conditions, with Harris stressing Ukraine's right to decide its future.
China boycotted the event after excluding Russia, aligning with Moscow's stance. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused Putin of obstructing peace efforts with false narratives.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz compared the summit to a fragile plant needing nurturing, hinting at future results. Turkey and Saudi Arabia noted Russia's absence as challenging productive talks.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer saw an opportunity to build a global consensus pressuring Russia, emphasizing the need for broader support beyond Western countries.
Supporters of Ukraine held events in Lucerne, Switzerland, highlighting the war's humanitarian toll. Ukrainian refugees sang Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" in a public square, while others shared stories of missing loved ones.
