World leaders are converging in Switzerland this Saturday for a high-stakes summit aimed at pressuring Russia to end its ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite the absence of some of Moscow’s powerful allies, such as China, the gathering seeks to highlight Ukraine’s plight and explore pathways to peace. However, without the presence of Russia or China, the potential impact of the summit remains uncertain.

The summit takes place against a backdrop of escalating tensions and recent military setbacks for Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022, the conflict has not only caused significant devastation but has also triggered global economic and security concerns. The summit in Switzerland, held at the luxurious Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne, brings together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from over 50 nations, aiming to forge a unified front against Russian aggression.

China’s decision to abstain from the summit, following Russia’s dismissal of the event as a waste of time, underscores the challenges in isolating Moscow. The lack of participation from Beijing, a significant ally of Russia, diminishes hopes of applying broader international pressure on President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, other BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa, are sending only envoys, while India will be represented at the ministerial level. This reduced representation from significant global players highlights the complexities of forming a cohesive international response to the conflict.

The primary aim of the summit is to establish a framework for peace that adheres to international law and the United Nations Charter. Discussions are expected to revolve around key issues exacerbated by the war, including nuclear safety, food security, and freedom of navigation. A draft of the final declaration reportedly identifies Russia as the aggressor in the conflict, a stance that underscores the summit’s alignment with Ukraine and its allies.

Richard Gowan, U.N. Director at the International Crisis Group, emphasized that the summit is a critical opportunity for Ukraine to remind the world of its adherence to the principles of the U.N. Charter. However, he also warned that the event could expose the limitations of Ukrainian diplomacy if significant progress is not achieved.

On the eve of the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his conditions for ending the conflict. These include Ukraine renouncing its NATO ambitions and ceding control of four provinces claimed by Moscow. Kyiv swiftly rejected these demands, with President Zelensky likening them to a territorial ultimatum reminiscent of Nazi Germany’s dictator Adolf Hitler. NATO and the United States also rejected Putin’s conditions, viewing them as unrealistic and tantamount to Ukraine’s surrender.

The summit follows a G7 meeting in Italy, where Zelensky secured a new $50 billion loan for Ukraine, funded by the interest on frozen Russian assets. The loan is intended to support both defense efforts and reconstruction. Putin condemned the move, labeling it as theft and warning of repercussions. Additionally, Zelensky and U.S. President Joe Biden signed a landmark 10-year security deal, ensuring continued military aid and training for Ukraine, which Zelensky described as a bridge towards NATO membership.

Despite these financial and military assurances, Ukraine faces a tough military reality. The spring offensive saw Ukraine abandoning several frontline settlements, and while Russian advances have slowed since mid-May, the war remains a brutal stalemate with significant human and material costs on both sides.

The Swiss summit will include a plenary session on Saturday, followed by detailed discussions in working groups on Sunday. These groups will address nuclear safety, freedom of navigation and food security, and humanitarian issues such as Black Sea shipping, prisoners of war, civilian detainees, and deported children. The goal is to create a roadmap for a lasting peace, although experts caution against expecting too much from this initial gathering.

Samuel Charap, a Russia expert at the RAND Corporation, noted that Russia’s disdain for the summit indicates Moscow’s concern over the expansion of the pro-Ukraine coalition. This sentiment is shared by other analysts, who believe that while the summit may reaffirm support for Ukraine and the principles of territorial integrity, it is unlikely to produce immediate, tangible results in terms of conflict resolution.

In the lead-up to the summit, the Swiss government reported a surge in cyberattacks and misinformation targeting its websites. These cyber threats underscore the broader challenges faced by nations supporting Ukraine, as they contend with not only physical warfare but also cyber and information warfare tactics employed by Russia.

The Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict and its global repercussions. While the absence of key players like China and the firm stance of Russia cast a shadow over the event, it offers a platform for Ukraine to garner international support and reinforce its commitment to the U.N. Charter. The outcomes of the summit may lay the groundwork for future negotiations, but the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

As the world watches, the resolve of Ukraine and its allies will be tested, not just in diplomatic arenas like the Burgenstock resort, but on the battlefields of Eastern Europe, where the human cost of this conflict continues to mount. The hope is that through sustained international efforts, a viable path to peace can eventually be found, ensuring security and stability for Ukraine and the broader region.

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