Swiss Gov't-Russia Not Invited To Peace Summit 'At This Stage'

(MNI) London - Wires reporting comments from the Swiss gov't regarding the upcoming Ukraine Peace Summit, scheduled for June 15-16. Says that Russia has not been invited "at this stage", but that the gov't is convinced Russia must be involved in the peace process, saying "a peace process without Russia is not possible." The Swiss gov't has taken something of a long-term stance on the efficacy of the summit, with President of the Federal Council Viola Amherd acknowledging in April that "we will not sign a peace plan at this conference", but said she was hopeful "there will be a second conference".

• With Russia unlikely to be in attendance, there will be significant focus on whether China sends a delegation to the summit. China's 'no limits partnership' with Russia is seen by Ukraine and its allies as a key factor propping up the Russian economy in spite of western sanctions, and a number of leaders from Europe and the US have sought to dissuade Beijing from providing economic support for Russia.
• Speaking in late April, Oleksndr Merezhko - an MP from President Volodymr Zelenskyy's party - said that "Intensive diplomatic work is underway and there is hope that we will be able to convince China to participate in the Summit".