Leaders in talks regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace plan acknowledged a growing number of countries collaborating to lay the groundwork for Russia to eventually join, despite the prolonged two-year war with neither side willing to yield. The meeting took place in Davos, Switzerland, where Zelenskyy aimed to maintain international focus on Ukraine’s defense amidst waning Western support and other global conflicts. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, noted increasing involvement from countries in the Global South, emphasizing the conflict’s global implications. Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace formula includes the expulsion of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes, but Moscow rejects these proposals. The talks, hosted by Switzerland, involve 83 delegations and seek to prepare for a potential Russian role in future peace discussions.
The discussions in Davos build upon previous closed-door efforts in Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Malta, with the goal of a peace deal requiring Russian participation. Russia, not invited to these meetings, dismisses the initiative as biased. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized the need for peace, viewing the talks as a departure point towards potential resolution. Despite acknowledging challenges and the need to refine the peace formula, Cassis stated neither Ukraine nor Russia was currently ready for territorial concessions. Russian forces have intensified attacks, stretching Ukraine’s air defense resources, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability. The Swiss government noted the war’s continuation and the absence of a clear path to peace in their statement previewing the talks.
