BERN, Switzerland, June 10, (AP): Nearly 90 countries and organizations, half from Europe, have confirmed attending the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit over the weekend despite Russia’s refusal to participate, Switzerland’s president said Monday.
Viola Amherd told reporters in the Swiss capital that the summit, on Saturday and Sunday, will aim to chart a path toward possible peace nearly 28 months after Russian forces invaded Ukraine and the war grinding on.
"This is not about propaganda,” said Amherd. "This is about the basis of humanitarian aid provided by Switzerland, based on fostering peace (and) to provide a platform to initiate a dialogue.”
The Swiss president added that most participants - about half of which will be represented at the level of head of state or government - are country leaders, but "a handful” are from organizations like the United Nations.
Some heads of state or government, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are expected to attend the summit at the Buergenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne.
US Vice President Kamala Harris will take part on behalf of the United States. President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will join Harris as part of the US delegation.
About 160 invitations have been sent out and Amherd said it was not a "disappointment” for the Swiss government that fewer than 100 have so far announced participation in the first phase of the peace process.
Swiss authorities said the final list of participants was expected by Friday, but key developing countries like Turkey, South Africa and Brazil haven’t indicated whether they would attend. India they said, will take part but it isn't clear at which level.