The Kremlin on Monday rejected the idea of holding peace talks without Russia, despite Ukraine’s suggestion that it could invite Russia to a peace summit in Switzerland.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “such a format is strange, to say the least, because some peace plans are being discussed without Russia’s participation, which is not serious and even ridiculous.”
Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak said on Sunday that Switzerland would host a summit to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace vision, which could be presented to Russia at a later date.
Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan includes restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawing Russian troops, and releasing all prisoners of war.
Russia has said it is open to talks but that it would not accept any preconditions.
The Kremlin’s rejection of peace talks without Russia raises questions about the prospects for a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
Experts say that any peace plan will need to address the concerns of both sides, including Ukraine’s security and Russia’s interests in the region.
