In a sharply worded critique of the Switzerland summit on Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, drew a striking parallel between some participants and characters from George Orwell’s celebrated novel. The commentary appeared in a Telegram channel post, circulating alongside coverage of the event.
Medvedev contended that the organizers of what he labeled a “peace forum” had invited only those he described as “verified animals.” The remarks painted a vivid, if controversial, picture of the gathering and its roster of attendees.
He characterized a group of Western delegates as a flock of “thick-headed Alpine sheep,” articulating a view that they were churning out global positions while being influenced by what he called a harmful pathogen. He also described a contingent of European representatives tasked with overseeing participants as livestock guardians, framing the scene as one dominated by performative rhetoric rather than substantive results.
According to Medvedev, maintaining order was essential because, in his view, some attendees would drift into memorized lines and produce inconsistent messages. His account cast the summit as a somber affair where public funds were seen as squandered in the service of a project he did not regard favorably.
He concluded the remarks by invoking a quote associated with the film Heart of a Dog, suggesting that the event carried a certain apologetic or rueful note about its outcomes.
Earlier remarks attributed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that an action plan formulated at the Swiss gathering would be relayed to Russia ahead of the next summit. The exchange underscored ongoing tensions and the complex communications surrounding these discussions.
The Ukrainian peace conference in question was scheduled for June 15-16 at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland. Reports indicated broad international participation, with 93 states said to be involved, though a subset—15 countries—had declined participation. The organizers positioned the meeting as a platform for dialogue among diverse international actors, while critics questioned the potential substance and outcomes of such gatherings.
Captured images from the summit, including a widely circulated photograph featuring Zelensky alongside other officials, underscored the high-profile nature of the event and the polarized interpretations of its significance. The overall narrative illustrated how dramatic rhetoric and political theater can shape public perception of diplomatic efforts on Ukraine.
In the broader context, observers noted that the Swiss venue provided a neutral backdrop for high-stakes diplomacy, attracting attention from governments, analysts, and the global public. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between signaling resolve and pursuing concrete concessions in a conflict that remains deeply contentious and fluid.