Ukraine War Briefing: Russian Proposals Ignored at Swiss Peace Summit, Says Germany

Ukraine War Briefing: Russian Proposals Ignored at Swiss Peace Summit, Says Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Vladimir Putin's peace plan at the Swiss summit, calling it insincere. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed optimism about the summit's potential, though expectations for major progress remain low. Key nations like China were absent, and Russia was not invited.

World leaders from over 90 countries gathered at Lake Lucerne to support Ukraine’s peace initiatives. Scholz noted that G7 leaders ignored Putin’s proposal, which included Ukraine surrendering four provinces, ceasing fighting, and abandoning its NATO ambitions, considering it a distraction. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya pointed out that Russia’s absence was a significant challenge. The Kremlin criticized the West's reaction to Putin’s proposals as unconstructive.

A draft summit declaration attributed the destruction in Ukraine to Russia’s "war" and emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, controlling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and accessing its seaports. The declaration, dated June 13, avoided the term "aggression" in describing Russia’s actions. Sunday's discussions will focus on nuclear safety, navigation freedom, food security, and humanitarian issues, including Black Sea shipping, prisoners of war, civilian detainees, and deported children.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, standing in for President Joe Biden, announced over $1.5 billion in aid for Ukraine, including $500 million for energy assistance and $324 million for emergency energy infrastructure. Additionally, $379 million in humanitarian aid will help refugees and those impacted by the war.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clarified that the EU would not directly contribute to a $50 billion loan for Ukraine, which will be funded by interest from $230 billion in frozen Russian assets, with contributions from the U.S., Canada, UK, and possibly Japan.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb stressed the need for a follow-up conference, citing Finland’s history with Russia and their shared 1,300-kilometer border.

On Saturday, Russian shelling killed three and injured five in Ulakly village, Donetsk, damaging buildings and vehicles. Ukrainian shelling in Shebekino, a Russian border town, resulted in five deaths and several injuries, according to Belgorod’s governor. These reports remain unconfirmed.

Swedish fighter jets intercepted a Russian military aircraft that briefly violated Sweden’s airspace near Gotland island. Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom condemned the violation and summoned Russian embassy officials.

In Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Ukraine-skeptic Prime Minister Robert Fico, was sworn in as president, solidifying Fico’s power. Fico missed the ceremony due to recovering from a gunshot wound sustained while greeting supporters in Handlova on May 15.