Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently faced challenges in rallying support from key nations at a two-day summit in Switzerland aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia. This summit highlighted the difficulties Ukraine faces in gaining global backing, especially from nations outside the traditional Western allies.
Summit Overview
The summit, held on June 15-16, was attended by representatives from over 100 countries and organizations. However, only 83 signed the final communique, falling short of the broader international consensus. Notably, major countries like India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia did not sign, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape.
Key Nations and Their Stance
China and Brazil, two significant global players, either avoided the summit or participated minimally. China did not attend, and Brazil, which sent only an observer, also did not sign the final statement. These countries, along with other BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), are crucial for Ukraine to recruit as allies to isolate Russia.
Communique Focus and Omissions
The final communique addressed three main issues: nuclear and food safety, and the return of abducted children and prisoners. It deliberately avoided more contentious topics like immediate follow-up meetings or confidence-building steps with Russia. This cautious approach indicates the varied perspectives and priorities of the participating countries.
Challenges and Zelenskiy’s Optimism
Despite the limited number of signatories, Zelenskiy remained optimistic. He viewed the immediate support as a breakthrough and expressed hope that more countries would sign after further consultations. However, the summit underscored the slow and challenging process of building global support beyond the Western bloc.
Western Leaders and Their Commitments
The summit’s significance was somewhat diminished by the absence or early departure of key Western leaders. U.S. President Joe Biden sent Vice President Kamala Harris, who left after the first day. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also left early due to domestic issues, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived late. This lack of full commitment from Western leaders raised questions about the urgency and effectiveness of the initiative.
Saudi Arabia’s Role
Zelenskiy made a significant effort to engage Saudi Arabia, culminating in the attendance of Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. However, the minister cautioned that Ukraine must be prepared for “difficult compromises” to end the conflict. This sentiment reflects a broader view among potential allies that diplomatic solutions may require tough negotiations and concessions.
Impact on Africa and Global Repercussions
The summit also highlighted the war’s global repercussions, particularly in Africa. Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the war’s devastating impact on Africa, including high inflation and skyrocketing food prices. He stressed Africa’s vested interest in resolving the conflict due to these adverse effects.
Summit’s Achievements and Limitations
The summit brought together 57 heads of state and government, making it one of the largest gatherings to discuss the war in Ukraine. While there was a consensus that Russia must eventually be brought to the negotiating table, the absence of direct references to this in the final communique indicated the delicate balance the organizers sought to maintain.
Non-Signatories and Their Perspectives
Several countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, did not sign the final document. Brazil and China, which have proposed alternative peace routes, also abstained. This reluctance to sign underscores the varied national interests and perspectives on the conflict.
Ukrainian Territorial Integrity
The communique from the 80 signatory countries reaffirmed the UN Charter and the importance of “territorial integrity and sovereignty” as the basis for peace. They condemned Russia’s ongoing war, highlighting the extensive human suffering and global crises it has caused.
Western Leaders’ Views
Ursula von der Leyen, Chief of the European Commission, acknowledged the summit’s role in moving towards peace but emphasized that it was not a peace negotiation. She pointed out that Russia’s demands for Ukrainian territory made serious peace talks currently unfeasible.
Children’s Plight and Moral Imperative
The summit also brought attention to the plight of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia. Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stressed the need for concerted efforts to ensure these children are returned to Ukraine, highlighting the moral imperatives of the conflict.
The summit in Switzerland illustrated both the progress and challenges in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. While Zelenskiy secured immediate support from a significant number of countries, the reluctance of key nations to fully commit reflects the complex global dynamics at play. The event underscored the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement and the difficult path ahead in building a unified international front against Russia’s aggression. Despite the setbacks, Zelenskiy remains hopeful that continued efforts and consultations will eventually lead to broader global support.
