Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who leads the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reiterated a clear condition for any credible effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war: Russia must be at the table. This stance, conveyed through TASS, frames the peace process as inseparable from Moscow’s active participation, signaling Riyadh’s expectation that any road map to settlement cannot ignore the complex realities on the ground.
In his view, the international community bears responsibility for fostering steps toward talks that involve meaningful concessions. He stressed that only by embracing difficult compromises can a durable agreement emerge, one that addresses security guarantees, border concerns, and the broader political and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict. The emphasis is on a negotiations framework that is not theoretical but anchored in real-world commitments and verifiable actions by all sides.
The prince also conveyed hope that the outcomes of the Switzerland summit focused on Ukraine will mirror these aims. He underscored that success hinges on a robust process that transcends slogans and reflects concrete progress toward de-escalation, confidence-building measures, and a credible path to peace that all involved parties can accept.
In related discourse, former Swiss President Viola Amherd voiced a similar sentiment, asserting that any peace endeavor in Ukraine cannot proceed without Russia’s involvement. Her view aligns with a broad international consensus that a comprehensive settlement must reflect the interests and assurances of all major stakeholders, including the Russian Federation.
The summit addressing Ukraine’s conflict is convened at Bürgenstock, Switzerland, as participants explore the contours of negotiation, the sequencing of steps, and the policy incentives that could encourage parties to commit to a sustained dialogue. The venue is chosen to foster constructive discussions that balance urgency with the gravity of long-term security guarantees and regional stability.
On June 15, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni linked the peace process to the potential unlocking of Russian assets as part of compensation to Kiev. This perspective highlights a practical pathway in which financial components could reinforce political negotiations, aligning incentives for accountability with the broader goal of rebuilding trust between the involved nations and their partners.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized Putin’s terms for beginning dialogue as an ultimatum that cannot earn trust. This assessment reflects the enduring challenge of achieving credible engagement when one side frames preconditions in absolute terms, underscoring the need for flexible, verifiable commitments and secure assurances that convey a genuine willingness to negotiate in good faith.