Leaders from over 90 countries gathered in Switzerland to address Ukraine’s peace proposals amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, focusing on broader issues including humanitarian crisis and security concerns.
World Leaders Convene in Switzerland for Summit on Ukraine Peace Proposals
On June 15, 2024, world leaders gathered at the Buergenstock resort near Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, to discuss Ukraine’s peace proposals amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The summit, attended by representatives from over 90 countries, saw the participation of notable leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. However, the absence of U.S. President Joe Biden, who was represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, and the non-attendance of China and Russia, raised questions about the summit’s potential impact.
The conference aimed to address broader concerns stemming from the war, such as food security, nuclear security, and the humanitarian crisis. During the event, Vice President Harris announced an additional $1.5 billion in U.S. aid for Ukraine.
President Zelenskiy criticized China for allegedly undermining the summit and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin set conditions for ending the war, including Ukraine dropping its NATO ambitions, which were rejected by Kyiv.
The summit, hosted by neutral Switzerland at Zelenskiy’s request, seeks to pave the way for a comprehensive peace process involving Russia in the future. The attendees, despite differing levels of representation, underscored the need for diplomatic resolutions and continued support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.