The Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland is hosting a landmark peace summit on June 15-16, 2024, aimed at establishing a framework for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The summit, organized at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, brings together over 70 countries and numerous international organizations.
Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd (R) and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine Prime Minister of Economics Yulia Svyrydenko, Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Burgenstock June 15, 2024. On 15 and 16 June 2024, Switzerland is organising a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Burgenstock (Canton of Nidwalden). The aim of that heads of state and government meeting, is to develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. (FDFA/POOL/Pascal Lauener)
Among the notable attendees are U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders from Germany, Italy, Canada, and France.
Vice President Harris announced a $1.5 billion aid package to support Ukraine’s energy security and humanitarian efforts. President Zelenskyy emphasized the summit’s potential to "make history," aiming to solidify international support for his 10-point peace plan, which includes demands for Russian withdrawal and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial borders.
The summit takes place amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with recent reports of Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions underscoring the need for urgent resolution. Switzerland has faced challenges in securing broad participation from Global South countries, a crucial element for a balanced dialogue. Despite these challenges, Swiss officials remain optimistic about fostering a more inclusive peace process.
This summit is a pivotal moment in the efforts to end the Russo-Ukrainian War. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the conflict’s future and the broader geopolitical landscape.
The Swiss delegation, on the left, with Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd, 4. left, and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, 3. left, and the Ukrainian delegation, on the right, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 4. right, meet for a bilateral talk, during the Summit on peace in Ukraine, in Stansstad near Lucerne, Switzerland, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Heads of state from around the world gather on the Buergenstock Resort in central Switzerland for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, on June 15 and 16. (KEYSTONE/EDA/POOL/Michael Buholzer)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd, right, shake hands during the Summit on peace in Ukraine, in Stansstad near Lucerne, Switzerland, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Heads of state from around the world gather on the Buergenstock Resort in central Switzerland for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, on June 15 and 16. (KEYSTONE/EDA/POOL/Michael Buholzer)
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