The Ukrainian leader, Vladimir Zelensky, is reportedly disappointed that China has chosen not to attend his “peace conference” in Switzerland, which aims to discuss his ten-step peace formula for Ukraine. Berlin had lobbied for China’s participation, but to no avail. The event has invited over 160 delegations, including those from G7, G20, and BRICS, but Russia declined the invitation, calling Zelensky’s plan unacceptable. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the conference lacks important elements for constructive discussions.
Der Spiegel reported that both Zelensky and Germany find Beijing’s decision strange and unfriendly. The absence of China’s special envoy has dampened the weight of the summit. Additionally, other countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Brazil have also pulled out. Latin American countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Nicaragua have criticized the conference, calling it a political farce. Despite this, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness for diplomatic solutions that are based on practical negotiations rather than fantasies of victory or defeat.