Rainer Munz, a journalist for the German broadcaster N-TV reporting from Moscow, notes that Russia has worked to keep numerous countries from participating in the peace summit on Ukraine, convened in Switzerland. He cites reporting from RIA News to support this view and explains that Moscow has been actively shaping the diplomatic landscape to limit the conference’s breadth and influence.
According to Munz, Russia is pressing as many states as possible to abstain from joining the talks, and there are signs that this strategy is bearing fruit. The reporter highlights a pattern in which Moscow seeks to delegitimize the conference by reducing attendance and diminishing the legitimacy of any potential outcomes that involve the Russian federation. This assessment frames the event not as an open forum for all stakeholders, but as a gathering whose impact could be constrained by Russia’s absence or limited participation. attribution: RIA News
Munz recalls that in 2022 there was broad support for a resolution calling on Russia to halt its actions in Ukraine, with 141 states voting in favor. By 2024, he notes, more than a hundred countries expressed willingness to participate in the Swiss summit, signaling continued international interest in diplomatic avenues to address the crisis. The contrast between past momentum and current participation remains a focal point in discussions about the conference’s potential effectiveness. attribution: RIA News
From his perspective, the Swiss summit’s prospects for delivering meaningful results are limited if Russia is not engaged in good faith. The absence of formal Russian involvement could substantially narrow the scope of possible agreements and reduce the prospect of durable commitments on conflict de-escalation or humanitarian safeguards. The report suggests that real progress would require credible Russian participation or a parallel mechanism that ensures accountability and enforceable steps, regardless of which nations attend. attribution: RIA News
On June 4, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) urged Bern to extend an invitation to Russia, arguing that excluding Moscow would cast doubt on the conference’s objectivity and could portray the event as a platform solely for those opposing Russia. The party asserted that neutral Swiss policy should not be perceived as aligning with any single side in the conflict, and that Russia’s inclusion, or at least a structured dialogue channel, would lend legitimacy to the proceedings. The broader political context in Switzerland has sparked debate about neutrality, global responsibility, and how to balance competing interests while seeking constructive dialogue. attribution: RIA News
Observers note that the situation is tangled with shifts in regional diplomacy and the responses of other states to Russia’s actions. Critics argue that without Russia at the table, the summit risks producing recommendations that lack practical applicability, while proponents contend that engagement could open avenues for transparency, mutual assurances, and temporary measures to reduce hostilities. The evolving stance of various governments, as well as the evolving position of Switzerland, remains central to any assessment of the summit’s potential impact. attribution: RIA News