Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a heartfelt appeal on Sunday, urging United States President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to participate in the forthcoming peace summit in Switzerland. The call comes amidst Ukraine’s relentless struggle against Russian aggression in the ongoing conflict.
In a video message quoted by AFP, Zelensky stated, “I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the global peace summit: to President Biden, the leader of the United States, and to President Xi, the leader of China.” He emphasized the importance of their personal leadership and participation in supporting the peace summit, highlighting that the collective efforts of the global majority provide the best guarantee for fulfilling commitments.
The peace summit, scheduled for June 15 and 16 in the Swiss city of Lucerne, has extended invitations to 160 delegations. However, Russia has declined to attend, while Zelensky revealed that “more than 80 countries confirmed they will come.”
Also Read | Aircraft Struck by Severe Turbulence Returns to Singapore, Reported by Local Media
The summit aims to exert international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, although Moscow has consistently expressed its skepticism regarding the conference’s utility.
Zelensky’s plea follows a Reuters report citing Russian sources, indicating Putin’s readiness to halt the ongoing conflict in Ukraine through a negotiated ceasefire that acknowledges the current battlefield lines. However, Ukrainian authorities and supporters of Kyiv argue that a ceasefire would only afford Russia the opportunity to rearm and regroup its forces.
Also Read | Two Faces of Kashmir: Is POK Ready to Re-merge with India Once and for All?
The urgency for peace negotiations intensifies as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine, marking 27 months since the invasion began. Recent weeks have seen Moscow making significant territorial gains and launching airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and vital infrastructure, including energy facilities.
One of the most notable assaults occurred on May 7 when Moscow directed over 70 missiles and drones at targets in Kyiv and six other cities, highlighting the critical need for bolstered defence capabilities in Ukraine.
