Biden formally ignores Zelensky`s peace summit
(MENAFN) In a significant development, the Biden administration has announced that President Joe Biden will not be attending an upcoming summit in Switzerland focused on the Ukraine conflict. Instead, Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the United States at the gathering, which aims to garner support for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's demands regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The decision not to send President Biden to the summit has raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about the administration's priorities. media reports suggest that Biden's absence may be due to his scheduled attendance at a pre-election fundraiser coinciding with the conference in mid-June.
The Swiss-hosted summit, scheduled for June 15, has been billed as a critical opportunity to address the Ukraine crisis and rally international support for Zelensky's peace efforts. However, the absence of Russian representation and China's decision to decline participation have added complexity to the diplomatic landscape.
In a statement confirming Harris and Sullivan's attendance, Harris's spokesperson emphasized the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace. The summit, to be held at the Burgenstock resort in Lucerne, is expected to be a focal point for discussions on diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
The decision not to send President Biden to the summit comes amid speculation about his travel itinerary, which includes plans to attend commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in France and participate in the G7 summit in Italy. While Zelensky had hoped for Biden's participation to lend legitimacy to the summit, the administration's decision underscores the complexities of diplomatic engagements and competing priorities on the global stage.
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