Fear that this year may be the one in which Ukraine loses the war to Russia, who has captured around eighteen percent of the country already, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made calls for an international peace summit.
The main goal of this peace summit is to find a way to end the war and create “lasting peace” for Ukraine. However, many have already noted that Russia was not invited to join, forcing them to wonder if the summit can actually achieve anything or if it is just to rally support for Ukraine. Russia has offered its own terms to end the war after the summit was announced, but Ukrainian leaders describe it as an ultimatum. Another plan was presented from China, though its claims of neutrality have been severely in doubt after it provided Russia with support. Ukraine responded to their proposal by saying that they are unwilling to give up any of their original territory. While the summit seems like a concrete step towards peace, many countries are noticeably wary.
In fact, Switzerland’s president has said that it may take another summit to form a usable plan; although, she has noted that to not take action would be “irresponsible.” Several other groups have also taken similar steps. For example, a group of African countries had sent delegates to Russia and Ukraine to convince them to speak with each other and come up with a viable solution for both sides. The President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, put forth the idea to create a “G20 for peace” to mediate the war as a neutral observer. However, later on, the Brazilian government reiterated its statement and said that the G20 should just show that accomplishing peace is necessary. Furthermore, China did not attend the summit; although, Ukraine was hoping to win the support of what they perceived to be a close ally of Russia.
Another focus of the summit was President Zelenskyy’s ten-point plan, his solution to regaining peace and security in his country:
- Radiation and nuclear safety
- Food security
- Energy security
- Release of all prisoners and deportees
- Implementation of the UN Charter and restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the world order
- Withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities
- Justice
- Immediate protection of the environment
- Prevention of escalation
- Confirmation of the end of the war
The first three would act as prevention against tactics used by the Russians against the Ukrainian people. The first point asks for protection from nuclear threats, the second says that Ukraine should be able to export to other countries, and the third discusses Russia’s attacks on power plants and other energy infrastructure. The seventh point argues that “the Special Tribunal regarding the crime of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has to be established.”
The ICC (International Criminal Court) has the ability to order a Special Tribunal which would allow them to convict the Russian leaders. While Ukraine tried to use the publicity coming with the peace summit to garner support and portray themselves as the victim of a global crisis, the event did not have the impact which many had rooted for. This is mainly due to many countries attempting to take action while still retaining all necessary diplomacy. Furthermore, the lack of communication between the two warring countries only increases the likelihood of a prolonged, brutal fight.