Switzerland’s President, Viola Amherd, has revealed that Russia is unlikely to participate in the initial stages of a high-level peace conference for Ukraine, which Switzerland aims to host in the coming months. The announcement follows Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis’s declaration to the United Nations about the conference’s timeline.
In an interview with Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Amherd acknowledged Russia’s reluctance, stating, “Right now, it looks as though Russia will not take part in a first round of the conference.” Despite Russia’s stance, Switzerland is forging ahead with plans, aiming to assemble a broad alliance including BRICS countries, nations from the Arab world, and those from the global south.
While Switzerland hopes to kickstart the conference by summer, Amherd emphasized the need for realistic expectations, acknowledging that success might not be immediate. The Swiss government is reaching out to countries like China, hoping for their support in facilitating peace talks.
Switzerland’s stance on the Ukraine conflict is nuanced, as it has adopted EU sanctions against Russia while emphasizing the importance of international law and neutrality. The country’s decision to bolster its military, partly in response to the conflict, underscores its commitment to maintaining stability without resorting to force.
As Switzerland prepares to host the peace conference, it reaffirms its dedication to upholding international law and fostering dialogue to resolve conflicts peacefully.
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