Unlike the first summit, held in June, this upcoming event will invite representatives from Russia. The response from the Kremlin and who will represent the aggressor country remain uncertain.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of involving Russia in this diplomatic effort. "It is very important to attract representatives of Russia to the second summit and seat them at this table," Shmyhal stated. The goal is to demonstrate Russia's willingness or unwillingness to negotiate peace before a wide diplomatic table comprising over 100 countries, potentially expanding to 150+ participants.
The inaugural summit in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, saw delegations from 92 countries and eight international organizations, with 94 participants endorsing the joint communique. This document highlighted three key points of the Ukrainian peace formula: nuclear security, food security, and the return of Ukrainians captured and deported by Russia. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that the number and diversity of countries involved in the peace process are crucial for the formula's success.
"The peace formula has no alternatives and is the only way to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," said Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga, inviting states and organizations committed to restoring peace to join the initiative.
Before the second Peace Summit, President Zelenskyi will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to present Ukraine's victory plan. This plan will also be shared with U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. While the plan's details are not disclosed, Zelenskyi expressed confidence in its potential impact. "I cannot give a 100% guarantee that this will stop Putin, but it will make Ukraine stronger," Zelenskyi stated.
There were media reports suggesting that Zelenskyi might announce a pause in hostilities during his U.S. visit. However, Ukraine's military-political leadership opposes any freezing of the war. "Ukraine does not plan to agree to any freezing of the war," clarified Heorhiy Tykhi, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the lead-up to the second summit, Kyiv is organizing meetings of working groups focusing on various points of the peace formula. Recent online conferences have addressed energy and food security.
This upcoming summit and diplomatic engagements aim to either force the occupying army out or achieve a diplomatic resolution that guarantees Ukraine's sovereignty and liberation from Russian occupation.
