Switzerland Confirms Peace Summit For 15-16 Jun; Biden Likely To Attend

The Swiss gov't has confirmed that a two-day high-level peace conference for Ukraine will take place outside the city of Lucerne on 15-16 June. Reuters reports comments from a Federal Council statement saying that "There is currently sufficient international support for a high-level conference to launch the peace process," The conference "...will aim to create a framework favourable to a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine as well as "a concrete roadmap for Russia's participation in the peace process."

• Russia has already indicated that it does not intend to take part in the conference, with Russia's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva Gennady Gatilov saying in March that "As of now, we don't see any possibility that Switzerland would take the lead and organise something," Russia argues that Swiss adoption of EU sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and the freezing of Russian assets means Switerland can no longer be considered a neutral actor.
• Swiss outlet NZZ reports that according to "reliable sources", US President Joe Biden will make the trip to Nidwalden for the conference alongside an estimated 80-100 other national leaders.
• Aside from the attendance of Russia and the US, major focus will be on whether China sends a representative to the conference. A no-show could be seen as indicative of the strength of the 'no limits' partnership between Moscow and Beijing, and limit the summits effectiveness with only committed Ukrainian allies in attendance.