Tajik Citizens Left Stranded at Moscow Airport
Eighty countries have come together to show solidarity with Ukraine by calling for the “territorial integrity” of the country to be the foundation of any peace agreement to end Russia’s war. This call was made in a communique issued at the Ukrainian-initiated Global Peace Summit, held at a Swiss resort on June 16.
The absence of Russia at the summit, along with China’s decision to stay away, has dampened hopes of any breakthrough in the peace process. Despite this, participants from countries like India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates did not sign the final document, which focused on nuclear safety, food security, and the exchange of prisoners.
The final statement emphasized the importance of the UN Charter and “respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty” in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. It also highlighted the need for the involvement of all parties in dialogue to reach peace.
Swiss President Viola Amherd, who hosted the event, expressed satisfaction at the majority of participants agreeing to the final document, showcasing the power of diplomacy in achieving consensus.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s harsh terms for a cease-fire, which included unreasonable demands rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies, further complicated the peace negotiations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Putin’s demands, stating that they were unrealistic and went against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the UN Charter.
At the conclusion of the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the support shown by Western and other leaders, indicating a step towards restoring the rule of international law.
While some countries did not sign the final communique, Russian political scientist Aleksandr Morozov suggested that they may be planning their own peace initiatives. However, these efforts would need to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be in line with international norms.
Overall, the Global Peace Summit aimed to gather support for Ukraine’s cause, especially from countries in the Global South, and maintain international attention on Russia’s invasion. The summit marked the culmination of Zelenskiy’s efforts to engage global leaders in ending the conflict and pave the way for a future peace process.
As discussions continue, the international community remains focused on nuclear and food security, the return of prisoners, and the need for dialogue among all parties to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. While challenges persist, the commitment to upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity remains strong among the participating nations.
