After Zelensky’s visit to Bern: Switzerland organizes peace summit

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Will Ukraine’s future be decided in Switzerland? At least that would be the wish of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky (45). And indeed: the Federal Council wants to help chart the course towards peace: Federal President Viola Amherd (61) and Selenski announced on Monday evening that they would jointly organize a peace conference.

Kiev had asked for such a “high-level peace conference,” as Amherd explained. Switzerland is now offering a helping hand. All countries that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty are welcome, including China.

China is important

According to diplomatic circles, the integration of the Middle Kingdom would be an important step. Thanks to China, it would be more realistic to one day bring Russia to the negotiating table. The main goal should be to convince Moscow to start peace talks.

It is clear that this can only be achieved step by step – if at all. Most of the technical questions from such a conference would have been resolved today. Now it’s time to start the next phase. Now political decision makers must come to the negotiating table.

“Our teams will start planning the peace conference on Tuesday,” Selenski emphasized on Monday. For Switzerland, the foreign affairs department of FDP federal councilor Ignazio Cassis (62) is in charge.

Behind closed doors

The announcement of a peace summit was the most important outcome on an eventful Monday in Bern. Many things took place behind closed doors. The Federal Palace was cordoned off over a large area. The population did not notice much of the visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang (64) or Zelensky.

Zelensky met the best Swiss politicians. In addition to the federal council members, there are also the chairmen of the National Council and the Council of States, as well as the party leaders.

National Council President Eric Nussbaumer (63) was impressed after the meeting: “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky knows very well what we do in Switzerland – and what we do not do.” At the same time, he also understands the special role of Switzerland, says center faction leader Philipp Matthias Bregy (45). “He knows exactly what we can and cannot do as a neutral country.”

Solidarity with Kiev

No decisions were expected when Zelensky was received at the Federal Palace. The heads of parliament reaffirmed Switzerland’s solidarity with Ukraine.

During a call with party leaders, Zelensky raised tangible concerns. He also discussed the latest peace plan, sanctions against Russia and the possibilities of using frozen Russian funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The return of Ukrainian children ‘stolen’ by Russia was also a problem.

“In the end, Selenski also spoke about the possibility of passing on weapons and ammunition made in Switzerland,” said FDP President Thierry Burkart (48). The Ukrainian president was told that the parliamentary process was still ongoing.

Center faction leader Bregy summarizes that Selenski showed gratitude and modesty. “He is focused and willing to continue defending Ukraine and the West.” For Zelensky, however, it is important that solidarity with Ukraine is not suddenly broken, “but that the West continues to stand behind his country.” This is certainly the main goal that the Ukrainian president has set for his visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos GR this week.

SVP was absent

SP State Councilor Roger Nordmann (50) also sees Switzerland as having a duty. Something still needs to be done with the re-export of military equipment.

Only the SVP was not represented at the meeting with party leaders, “because of planning,” a party spokeswoman explained.

Amherd and Selenski left for Davos on Monday evening. At the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Ukrainian president will campaign for continued support for his country.

Source:Blick