Slovak FM expresses skepticism regarding potential outcomes of Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace conference

2024-06-23 08:57:17

(MENAFN) Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar expressed skepticism regarding the potential outcomes of the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace conference, slated for June 15-16, citing the absence of key global players, including Russia and China. In a Facebook post on Friday, Blanar, representing Slovakia in lieu of Prime Minister Robert Fico recovering from an assassination attempt, conveyed doubts about the conference's ability to achieve substantial results.

The conference, anticipated to focus on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s proposed ‘peace formula’ encompassing issues such as prisoner exchanges and security assurances, faces significant challenges due to the non-participation of Russia and other influential nations. Moscow has dismissed Zelensky’s plan as divorced from reality and labeled the event a Western ploy to orchestrate an anti-Russian coalition while diverting attention from underlying conflict causes.

Blanar emphasized Slovakia’s consistent support for peace initiatives aimed at resolving hostilities through diplomatic means but indicated reservations about the conference's efficacy without essential stakeholders present. He underscored that Russia's absence, alongside China’s decision not to send a delegation, reflects broader concerns about the event's impartiality and inclusivity.

Amid Moscow’s assertion that the summit intends to impose an ultimatum on Russia, Blanar reiterated Slovakia's stance on pursuing diplomatic avenues for resolving the Ukraine crisis. He highlighted China's critique of the conference, noting Beijing’s criteria for meaningful participation, which include mutual recognition by all involved parties and equitable discussion of peace proposals.

As preparations for the Swiss-hosted summit continue, the absence of critical global actors raises uncertainties about its potential to yield definitive outcomes in addressing one of Europe’s most protracted and contentious conflicts.

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