Ukraine Peace Conference Concludes... Only 80 Countries Sign Joint Statement

The Ukraine peace conference, held to discuss an end to the Russia-Ukraine war that has continued for three years, concluded with a joint statement (communique) agreed upon by only 80 countries, excluding Russia and China, who did not attend, as well as countries that maintained a neutral stance on the war.

According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 16th (local time), the Swiss federal government announced that the two-day Ukraine peace conference held in B?rgenstock, Nidwalden, with representatives from over 100 countries, concluded with the adoption of a joint statement signed by 83 countries and organizations.

The joint statement reaffirmed that the participating countries engaged in constructive discussions based on international law and the UN Charter to establish a sustainable peace regime in Ukraine, and reiterated the principle of refraining from the use of force to protect the territorial integrity and political independence of all countries. It also stated that Ukraine’s nuclear facilities must be safely operated under Ukraine’s full sovereign control in accordance with the principles set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The statement included calls for the complete exchange and release of prisoners of war and the repatriation of Ukrainian children and civilians detained as refugees.

However, The New York Times (NYT) reported that "no agreement was reached on when and how Ukraine and Russia should seek peace negotiations."

Among the participating countries, more than 10 countries including China did not sign the joint declaration. Brazil, India, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are representative examples. The commonality among them is that they belong to BRICS, an emerging economies alliance led by Russia and China. They sent delegations at the ministerial level or below, not at the head of state level. Saudi Arabia, which was approved for BRICS membership, and Indonesia, Thailand, Libya, and Bahrain, which are either pursuing membership or have expressed interest, also did not sign the joint statement. Additionally, Armenia, Mexico, Slovakia, the host country Switzerland?which claims neutrality?and the Holy See did not participate in signing.

Russia clearly stated its non-participation in the conference in April, citing that there was no reason to participate in a meeting co-hosted by Ukraine in Switzerland, which is part of the sanctions against Russia. China, an ally of Russia, also decided not to send a delegation.

On the 14th, Russia made a counterproposal, stating that it would agree to a ceasefire and enter into talks if Ukraine withdrew its troops from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine and abandoned its NATO membership aspirations. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the closing ceremony, "We are ready to negotiate immediately if Russian troops withdraw from Ukrainian territory."

Switzerland, the co-host, is hopeful for a follow-up meeting. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told reporters on the day, "It is unclear where the follow-up meeting will be held," but added, "There is a possibility it will take place in November before the U.S. presidential election."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.