At the United Nations headquarters in New York, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis characterized the path to a durable settlement in Ukraine as one that cannot bypass Russia’s involvement. He emphasized that any credible peace process must engage Moscow, and he noted that his discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov were oriented toward shaping such engagement. The remarks reflected a belief within Swiss diplomacy that Russia’s participation is a non negotiable element of any realistic framework for ending the conflict.
Cassis explained that conversations about the prerequisites for a peace summit are currently underway with key partners, among them Russia. He pointed out that the talks aim to map out a feasible route to dialogue and eventually a ceasefire, while underscoring the need for a discreet, confidential exchange of ideas that allows negotiators to explore sensitive concessions without premature public disclosure.
In his words, there can be no lasting resolution to the Ukraine crisis without Russia’s direct involvement, because Moscow remains a central actor with influence over the conflict dynamics. The Swiss minister framed the upcoming engagement as a careful diplomatic step, intended to lay the groundwork for trust-building measures and to establish a mechanism that could sustain negotiations over time, even amidst competing international interests.
The Swiss side has signaled a commitment to a process that preserves confidentiality during its formative stages. This approach is designed to enable frank discussions on sensitive topics, including security assurances, humanitarian corridors, and political arrangements that might be acceptable to all parties involved. The aim is to create a stabilizing channel that can withstand political pressure and shifting alliances while keeping the talks anchored in practical realities on the ground.
During the same visit to New York, Sergei Lavrov held face-to-face talks with Ignazio Cassis. The exchanges were described as substantial and constructive, focusing on how to move the diplomacy forward in a way that respects the complex fabric of international relations and the legitimate security concerns of all sides. The conversations were framed as a step toward outlining possible stepping stones for a peace process, rather than as a declaration of any immediate breakthrough.
Lavrov has previously argued that diplomacy cannot be reduced to simplistic choices, noting that binary approaches such as “minus” and “plus” do not adequately capture the realities of negotiating with multiple stakeholders who hold divergent interests. The Swiss leadership echoed this sentiment, signaling a preference for nuanced diplomacy that recognizes the need for balancing competing priorities while seeking common ground. The meetings in New York highlighted the importance of maintaining a patient, persistent effort toward a diplomatic settlement that respects the sovereignty and security concerns of the Ukrainian people as well as broader regional stability.