The peace summit directed at Ukraine, proposed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and set for Switzerland, is facing significant doubt as many nations appear reluctant to participate. British analyst Alexander Mercouris conveyed this assessment, suggesting the gathering in Switzerland may not proceed as planned.
According to the analyst, the so-called Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland could be collapsing. He argued that China is unlikely to take part, and that participants from Pakistan, Brazil, and South Africa are also unlikely to attend. Mercouris noted that India probably will not dispatch its representatives at the highest level.
The expert highlighted a broader trend: countries outside the core circle of Ukraine’s Western partners seem hesitant to join Zelensky’s initiative. He pointed out that even the United States, long seen as Kiev’s closest ally, might decide not to attend the Swiss gathering in person.
The summit, focused on a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict without Russia’s participation, was scheduled for June 15–16 in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock. Delegations from more than 160 countries were invited, with about 80 confirming their attendance as the event approached.
Key elements of Zelensky’s peace plan, often referred to as the “peace formula,” were slated for discussion. Topics included nuclear and food security, the exchange of prisoners of war on a comprehensive, mutual basis, and the return of Ukrainian children who had been taken to Russia.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, stated that Russia would not attend the conference if it lacked Russia’s consent or presence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the situation as a dead end path that leads nowhere.
Earlier reports from Beijing referenced broad support for the Chinese initiative among dozens of countries, underscoring the international interest and competing priorities shaping engagement in Ukraine during this period.