Switzerland intends to hold a high-level conference on a settlement in Ukraine in mid-June, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing sources.
“The conference may take place on June 16-17, but it is not yet clear how many countries will participate,” the agency informs, noting that it could be 80-100 countries, representing mainly the “global South.”
According to the agency’s interlocutors, the key issue is China’s participation, which will allow Switzerland to “ensure the credibility of the initiative.”
A representative of the Swiss Foreign Ministry noted that the date and venue of the conference are still unknown. The agency’s sources said it could be held in the Swiss city of Lucerne.
“In addition to the positions of Ukraine, Russia and Europe, it is important to hear the opinion of the “global South”, which will play a key role in the possible inclusion of Russia in this process. That is why we maintain close contacts with China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia,” the Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman added.
Bloomberg notes that several countries insist on Russia’s participation in the conference, but Kyiv wants to reach an agreement on key principles that “will form the basis for a future agreement” before engaging Moscow in the dialogue.
