Switzerland to organise international peace conference in Ukraine

Switzerland's government has said on Wednesday it will be the host of a high-level international conference in June to help establish a path towards peace in Ukraine, after more than two years of fighting there, and in the hope Russia can join the peace process one day.

The Bürgenstock resort is expected to be the site of the conference 15-16 June.

Government officials from dozens of states are expected to participate, following the presentation of plans by Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Casis.

Swiss daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung has reported on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden is expected to attend the summit of the seven most industrialised (G7) countries in neighbouring Italy on 13 June-15 June and will likely participate in this conference.

The Swiss government has said that officials of the European Union and envoys of Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Saudi Arabia and South Africa have participated in the conference's arrangements.

At today's meeting, the Federal Council has discussed the date and the next steps. Currently there is needed international support for launching an international high-level peace process conference”, the federal government in Bern said, through a statement.

In the statement, it has been said to take into account the old diplomatic tradition, Switzerland considers it responsible to contribute to the peace process in Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the fight <x0 special military operation” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The West has responded to Russia, striking the economy of this state with severe sanctions.

As a result of the war, thousands have died, and millions of others have been displaced from their homes. /rel