In the current geopolitical context, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently accused Russia of putting pressure on certain countries to dissuade them from participating in an upcoming peace summit in Ukraine. In a surprise intervention before defense chiefs from around the world gathered in the Asia-Pacific, Zelensky called on countries in the region to fully engage in the conference planned in Switzerland on June 15-16.
The urgency of the situation in Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops are battling a major Russian advance in the Kharkiv region, was underlined by Zelensky. He highlighted the need for Kyiv to strengthen international support for its peace plan, which includes the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have committed to attending the conference, but Russia’s powerful ally China has announced it will not send a delegation. Zelensky said Russia was trying to disrupt the summit by putting pressure on other countries to dissuade them from attending. He stressed that Ukraine was open to all proposals to end the conflict and that the conference would address key points of its peace plan, including nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the fate Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.
On the sidelines of the Shangri-la Dialogue, Zelensky held meetings with officials from various countries, including US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The latter reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and provided updates on U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. Zelensky also thanked US President Joe Biden for an important decision regarding defensive strikes with US weapons.
Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains committed to seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine by mobilizing increased international support and pressuring Russia. He calls for strong diplomacy and a defense of international justice to force Russia to the negotiating table. The next few days will be crucial to see which nations will remain united with Ukraine in its quest for peace and stability in the region.