In a recent dialogue with Indian media, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the President of Ukraine, disclosed ongoing discussions regarding the organization of a second peace summit. The conversation, shared on the President's social media platforms on Sunday, August 25, 2024, revealed negotiations with several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland.
Zelenskiy, who transitioned from a successful career in comedy and acting to become Ukraine's head of state in 2019, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in pursuing peace. This initiative builds upon Ukraine's efforts to garner global support for its peace formula, which has been a priority since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022.
The President expressed his openness to India hosting the upcoming summit, demonstrating Ukraine's commitment to engaging with diverse international partners. However, Zelenskiy clarified a crucial condition: the host country must have been a signatory to the communique from the previous peace summit.
"I told India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi I would support India hosting the second summit on peace but added that Ukraine cannot organise it in a country which did not sign the communique from the previous summit."
This stipulation underscores the continuity and commitment Ukraine seeks in its peace process, which began with the first Ukraine Peace Formula summit held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August 2023.
The involvement of countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland in these negotiations is significant. Each of these nations brings unique diplomatic experiences to the table. For instance, Turkey has previously mediated between Russia and Ukraine, while Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of neutrality and hosting international negotiations.
It's worth noting that India, under the leadership of Narendra Modi since 2014, has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As the world's largest democracy, India's potential role in hosting a peace summit could bring a fresh perspective to the negotiations.
The ongoing peace efforts are crucial for Ukraine, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has been embroiled in conflict with Russia since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The United Nations has consistently recognized Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity throughout this period.
Zelenskiy's pursuit of a second peace summit demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to diplomatic solutions. The country's peace formula, which includes ten points covering critical issues such as nuclear safety and food security, continues to be a cornerstone of its international outreach.
As negotiations progress, the global community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has had far-reaching implications for international relations and security.