A major global peace summit is being held in Switzerland this weekend with a clear and urgent goal: to find a path toward ending the devastating war in Ukraine. Dozens of world leaders and representatives have been invited to join the conversation. But there’s a significant problem several major countries are declining the invitation, and their absence speaks volumes.
The reason? It all boils down to one major issue: Russia isn’t on the guest list.
A growing number of nations, particularly from the “Global South,” believe that any serious discussion about peace is incomplete, if not entirely pointless, without both warring parties at the table. This has led to a diplomatic rift, turning a summit intended for unity into one that highlights global divisions.
Who’s Not Coming to the Table?
The list of countries opting out or sending lower-level representatives is notable and includes some of the world’s most influential players:
- Brazil and South Africa: As members of the BRICS bloc along with Russia, both countries have signaled they will not be attending. Their stance aligns with the view that a one-sided summit won’t lead to a real resolution.
- Saudi Arabia: Another key non-Western power, Saudi Arabia, is also expected to skip the summit, reinforcing the sentiment that many nations are unwilling to take part in a process they see as unbalanced.
- Pakistan: Citing scheduling issues, Pakistan has also declined the invitation to attend the talks.
Even Allies Are Sending a Mixed Message
While around 90 countries are expected to attend, the level of representation from even some of Ukraine’s biggest allies is telling. The United States, for example, will not be represented by President Joe Biden. Instead, Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will attend.
India is expected to participate, but likely at a non-ministerial level, signaling a cautious approach rather than a full-throated endorsement of the summit’s framework.
For Ukraine and its Western allies, the summit is a chance to build a broad international consensus on a path to peace one that is based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law. However, without the participation of major global powers who maintain ties with Moscow, the summit risks becoming more of a display of solidarity among existing allies rather than a genuine breakthrough in global peace negotiations. The empty chairs at the table in Switzerland may end up making a louder statement than any declaration signed by those in attendance.
Read More: The One Missing Guest That’s Making the Ukraine Peace Summit Meaningless
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