What remains after the two-day Ukraine summit on the Bürgenstock
Published: Sunday, Jun 16th 2024, 18:00
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A joint declaration by the majority of participating states, no time and place for the next summit, a great desire for peace and clear comments from Russia: what remains after the Ukraine conference on the Bürgenstock?
WHAT CAN BE CHALKED UP AS A SUCCESS?
There was a large turnout for the conference. Around 160 countries and organizations were invited and around one hundred came to Central Switzerland - including major players in global politics such as the G7 countries. The desire for peace was audible and tangible in the dozens of statements made by the state guests.
There were hardly any incidents during the two-day meeting. Disruptions, attempts at sabotage and hacker attacks went largely unnoticed. One of the largest security operations in recent Swiss history went largely without a hitch.
WHAT WAS NOT ACHIEVED?
The participating states were unable to unanimously agree on a final declaration. Nevertheless, over 80 out of around 90 participating states supported a joint declaration. The document, which is just over two pages long, condemns the threat of nuclear weapons, calls for the return of children abducted to Russia and demands the unhindered export of grain from Ukraine. However, important countries such as Brazil, India and Saudi Arabia did not sign up. In addition, China, an important player, was completely absent from the Bürgenstock.
There is no clear statement on a follow-up conference in the declaration. However, the signatories are in favor of involving Russia in future consultations: "We believe that inclusion and dialogue between all parties is necessary to create peace," it says.
WHAT IS THE CONCLUSION OF THE HOST SWITZERLAND?
President Viola Amherd spoke of a "good result". She had received "positive feedback" from many countries. She denied that the Ukraine conference had failed. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that the conference would not be forgotten.
WHAT DOES UKRAINE SAY ABOUT THE RESULTS?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considered it a success that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine had been emphasized by all conference participants. Some states had also already signaled their willingness to host a second summit.
HOW DOES RUSSIA COMMENT ON THE CONFERENCE?
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent clear signals in the run-up to and during the conference that he had no interest in the initiated peace process. He set out his conditions for negotiations, including Ukraine's complete renunciation of the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea - just over a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis commented on this as a "total contrast to the path that the other countries want to take". It gives the impression that a peaceful solution is a long way off.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
This is largely unclear. There are obviously different ideas about the further peace process. Nevertheless, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed optimism that a second conference will soon take place, which Russia should also attend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj also expressed his openness to a dialog with Russia's ruler Vladimir Putin - but under clear conditions: Russia would have to leave the territories it had conquered in Ukraine. This seems illusory in view of the current situation in the war zone. Working meetings are now planned with numerous countries on different continents in order to concretize a peace plan. This will take place at the level of security advisors.
WHAT ROLE DOES SWITZERLAND PLAY IN THE FURTHER PROCESS?
According to Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, the Federal Council wants to "calmly discuss" the results of the conference - including with Russia. Talks begun with numerous countries before the conference are to be continued. This is a lengthy process. However, the current momentum must be maintained. "As an international community, we can help prepare the ground for direct talks between the warring parties," said President Viola Amherd.
©Keystone/SDA
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