Swiss President Viola Amherd and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have confirmed that ninety countries and organizations will participate in the Ukraine peace conference hosted
by Switzerland on June 15-16. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Bern.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis mentioned that Switzerland had always been open to inviting Russia to the conference. However, Moscow has repeatedly indicated no interest in participating.
The summit, to be held at the Bürgenstock resort near Lake Lucerne in canton Nidwalden, aims to establish a framework for lasting peace in Ukraine based on international law. Swiss officials hope the conference will lay the groundwork for future peace talks that will eventually include Russia.
The agenda includes in-depth discussions on global issues such as the situation in Ukraine, the plight of prisoners of war, nuclear threats, and food security. Almost 90 states and a few organizations have registered for the conference, with around half of the states represented by heads of state and the other half by ministers, said Swiss President Viola Amherd. The exact list of attendees will be announced on Friday evening.
The conference will commence with a plenary session on the afternoon of June 15, followed by working groups on June 16 that will delve into topics like nuclear safety, freedom of shipping, food safety, and humanitarian aspects. A final declaration is being prepared and is currently undergoing intensive consultations, according to Cassis.
Russia will not be included in the initial discussions. "We have always been open to inviting Russia to the conference, but Moscow has made it clear several times that it has no interest in participating," Cassis stated. Ukraine has insisted that only countries respecting its right to exist under international law should participate, which excludes Russia.
The Nidwalden cantonal police will lead security efforts at the conference, with support from up to 4,000 Swiss army personnel. Their tasks include protecting critical infrastructure, providing air transport, conducting aerial reconnaissance, intervening on lakes, and offering logistical and command support.
Amherd noted an increase in online attacks leading up to the conference but did not provide details. Authorities are preparing for various risks, including fake news, which the government plans to counter with accurate, fact-based information.
Switzerland aims to ensure a secure and productive environment for this significant step towards peace in Ukraine. Photo by Emanuel Ammon/AURA, Wikimedia commons.