Photo : president.gov.ua
Photo : president.gov.ua
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 16 June, the official website of the President of Ukraine reported on Zelenskyy’s statement to the media representatives following the Peace Summit. At first, he thanked all the participants of the first Peace Summit who united themselves to join the cause of peace. He believed that to be a way of ‘responding to Russia’s invasion not only with a full-scale defence of human life but also full-scale diplomacy.’ Next, he mentioned the three challenges which were analysed in detail at the First Peace Summit- nuclear safety, food security and the release of prisoners and deportees, including thousands of children abducted by Russia. According to his statements, the countries agreed to work at the level of advisers and ministers in the format of special meetings under the leadership or co-leadership of countries. He also revealed the preliminary agreements with France, Czechia, Türkiye, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Norway, Poland, Canada, Qatar, Chile, Ghana, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom – to host the work of the groups. He concluded by encouraging the countries to make the action plans ready for the commencement of the second Peace Summit.
On 15 June, President of Ukraine published on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, meeting with Kamala Harris, US Vice President at the Global Peace Summit held in Switzerland. Zelenskyy thanked Joe Biden, President of the US for the bilateral security agreement signed as part of the G7 and the US Congress for approving an assistance package for Ukraine, earlier this year. Zelenskyy said: "Putin is trying to expand the war and make it more bloody. But together with America and all our partners, we protect the lives of our people and open up new opportunities for diplomacy.” He also thanked Kamala Harris for attending the Peace Summit and suggested seeking ‘real peace through diplomacy.’ The leaders discussed the dynamics of the supply of weapons from the announced aid packages, the construction of brigades, the progress of the situation especially in the Kharkiv region, and the progress of the implementation of agreements on additional Patriot systems. Harris expressed the US’s unwavering support to democratic nations and discontent with dictatorships. She also announced USD 1.5 billion aid for the humanitarian and energy needs of Ukraine.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 16 June, RT reported that twelve countries including Armenia, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and organisations such as the UN and OSCE refused to sign the final communique of the Swiss Peace Conference. Meanwhile, 79 countries including Hungary, Serbia, Argentina, Türkiye, and Georgia approved the document joining Ukraine. However, according to a draft, it accused Russia for causing “large-scale human suffering and destruction” and “creating risks and crises with global repercussions” in Ukraine. It also called for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the restoration of control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and access to sea ports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It demanded for full exchange of the prisoners of war and displaced Ukrainian children. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia said earlier that any peaceful resolution of the conflict would require Russia’s participation. Russia expressed its discontent with the meeting by saying that it would not have attended even if invited due to the exclusive emphasis on Ukraine.
On 16 June, RT reported on the death of Nikita Tsitsagi, a Russian photographer from a drone strike in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). According to News.ru, a Russian publication, the correspondent was killed in an attack by Ukrainian drones in the area of the Nikolsky Monastery in the Donbas city of Ugledar, where he was filming a report. The incident was confirmed by Tsitsagi’s colleagues who were working in the area and local operational services. The reporter used to collaborate with Russian media outlets like TASS and Lenta.ru. In 2023, he also received the ‘Editorial Board’ journalistic award for a report on the Ukraine conflict and its repercussions in the Russian border town of Shebekino in the Belgorod Region. Earlier this week, Valery Kozhin, another photojournalist of NTV died from wounds suffered from a Ukrainian drone attack on Gorlovka, also in the Donetsk People’s Republic. According to the statements of Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) earlier this month, at least 30 Russian journalists had lost their lives since the Ukraine conflict started in 2022. Moscow continues to accuse Ukraine of their attacks on the Russian journalists reporting from the frontline. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry, spokesperson criticised the international human rights organisations for remaining silent and becoming Ukraine’s allies.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 16 June, whitehouse.gov reported on the remarks made by Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of the US during the Global Peace Summit. At first, he thanked Amherd and Zelenskyy for hosting the summit and gathering 100 countries and organisations that showcased their deep support for just peace. He also referred to the summit as having the core foundation of ‘just peace’ in accordance with the United Nations charter and the principles of International Law. He saw the summit as the platform created for Ukraine to negotiate and secure its territorial integrity and peace. He also stressed on the steps to ensure food security, nuclear security, and, of course, the return of abducted children. He criticised Putin’s vision for peace which was announced a couple of days before and stated that it defied the UN’s charter and its basic morality. This was because of Putin’s claims on Ukraine to give up the territory currently occupied by Russia and additional sovereignty to start peace negotiations and a possible ceasefire. He concluded by saying that the vision of peace put forward at the summit was rooted in the principles of safety. He also stated the US’s support to Ukraine until it gains peace and security.
On 16 June, the press release of the European Council highlighted the common vision laid down in the Joint Communique on the Peace Framework adopted at the Peace Summit in Ukraine. The summit which was based on the previous discussions of Ukraine’s Peace Formula and other peace proposals was in line with the International Law and the UN Charter. The common vision was on the following key aspects: First, safe, secure and environmentally sound usage of nuclear energy and installations. The Ukrainian power plants like the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant should be under full sovereign control of Ukraine and in line with the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) principles and its supervision. Any threat or use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine was unjustifiable. Second, uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products leading to global food security. Attacks on merchant ships and civilian ports were unacceptable as food security must not be weaponised leading to the safe supply of Ukrainian agricultural products to the needed countries. Third, release of the unlawfully displaced children and civilians from Russia and the complete exchange of prisoners of war.
On 15 June, Euronews reported on Sweden government accusing Russian military aircraft for violating its airspace at the east of Gotland. According to the report of Jonas Wikman, Commander of the Swedish Air Force: "The Russian act is unacceptable and shows a lack of respect for our territorial integrity.” Sweden joined NATO in March as its 32nd member ending the decades-long post World War II neutrality. Amid the growing security concerns in Europe since Russia’s Ukraine invasion in 2022, Sweden along with Finland who joined NATO in 2023 ended their military neutrality which was a key characteristic of the Nordic states’ Cold war foreign diplomacy.
On 15 June, Euronews, reported on the massive security arrangements by Switzerland government ahead of the Global Peace Summit at the Luxury Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne. The Hotel had hosted multiple high-level political meetings and peace talks in the past. Its ‘isolated mountaintop location’ provided an extra layer of security. The security had tightened as soldiers took positions at multiple checkpoints leading to the hotel. According to Viola Amherd, up to 4000 soldiers had been deployed to protect more than 50 heads of state. She also added, "An event on this scale requires comprehensive protective measures.” Around six kilometres of fencing and eight kilometres of barbed wire had been installed around the perimeter. In addition to this, a temporary helicopter had been set up in the field for the transfer of different delegations. The Swiss National Cyber Security Centre was expecting cyberattacks as the first wave of distributed denial-of-service attacks (DDoS) on government websites began last week. These attacks aimed to overload the websites with a large number of requests such that they cannot be handled by a single organisation causing the website and computer system to crash.
References
“Statement by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy During a Meeting with Media Representatives Following the Global Peace Summit,” The President of Ukraine VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY Official website, 16 June 2024
“The President of Ukraine Met with the U.S. Vice President,” The President of Ukraine VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY Official website, 15 June 2024
“Twelve states refuse to sign Zelensky ‘peace conference’ declaration,” RT, 16 June 2024
“Russian news photographer killed in Ukrainian drone strike,” RT, 16 June 2024
“Remarks by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at Summit on Peace in Ukraine Closing Plenary Session | Obbürgen, Switzerland,” WH.GOV, 16 June 2024
“Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework adopted at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine,” European Council, 16 June 2024
Daniel Bellamy “Sweden says Russian warplane violated its airspace,” Euronews, 15 June 2024
Sophia Khatsenkova “Switzerland's massive security effort at the Ukraine peace conference,” Euronews, 15 June 2024