Russia and China are absent from the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland!

World leaders have convened in Switzerland to apply pressure on Moscow for ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The peace conference for Ukraine began on Saturday (June 15) in Switzerland, with Russia and its staunch ally China notably absent.

It is believed that effective steps towards peace in Ukraine could be taken at the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland.

On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States and leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan are expected to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the top summit.

India, Turkey, and Hungary plan to join in maintaining friendly relations with Russia, according to reports.

However, Russia has dismissed this conference as 'futile' and avoided attending, which has kept its ally China cautious about participating in the summit.

The Western countries' attempt to unite against Russia over Ukraine has been somewhat 'backfooted' recently amid ongoing war tensions.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Zelensky said this conference will make history.

Swiss President Viola Amherd said in a statement alongside Zelensky that substantial progress has already been made during this assembly.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has referred to this summit as a significant step towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Earlier on Friday (June 14), Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would end its war in Ukraine; however, NATO members must abandon their aspirations to join, and Russia must regain control of the four regions it claims in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has rejected Russia's claims.

Source: Al Jazeera