Kremlin Asserts Necessity of Russian Involvement in Ukraine Peace Talks
The Kremlin reiterated its stance on Thursday, emphasizing that any peace talks concerning Ukraine must include Russia for meaningful progress to be achieved. This statement comes in response to Switzerland's announcement of a high-level conference on the Ukraine conflict scheduled for June 15-16, to which Russia has not been invited.
Switzerland's decision to host the conference, with participation expected from Ukraine and up to 100 other countries, drew criticism from the Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, emphasized that excluding Russia from the peace process renders it futile.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also weighed in on the matter, expressing skepticism about the conference's effectiveness during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry, echoed the sentiment, stating that any initiative on Ukraine that disregards Russia's position lacks credibility and prospects for success. She criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposed "peace formula," arguing that it fails to acknowledge alternative solutions and overlooks input from various international actors.
Furthermore, Zakharova questioned Switzerland's neutrality, accusing the country of aligning with Ukraine and adopting strategies that isolate Russia from European security frameworks.
Meanwhile, the United States responded to Russian allegations that the conference was a pre-election project by President Joe Biden's Democratic Party, dismissing the claim as absurd. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller affirmed support for diplomatic initiatives endorsed by the Ukrainian government, indicating openness to participation in the conference.
Switzerland's decision to organize the peace conference follows discussions initiated during President Zelensky's visit to the country in January. The Swiss government emphasized the need for international support to advance the peace process, aiming to eventually involve Russia in the dialogue.
As the diplomatic landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict evolves, questions persist about the role of key stakeholders and the prospects for achieving lasting peace in the region.
