78 countries at a Swiss conference called for Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” to be the foundation for any peace agreement to end Russia’s two-year war, but some key nations abstained from signing the final communique, Associated Press reports.
Around 100 delegations attended the conference, mainly from Western and developing countries, while Russia remained absent. However, the final communique, focusing on nuclear safety, food security, and prisoner exchanges, was signed by only 78 nations. Some major nations like India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and China either did not sign or did not attend. The final document emphasized the UN Charter’s principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty as vital for a lasting peace, contrasting Russia’s demands for Ukrainian territorial concessions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the conference as a first step towards peace and mentioned ongoing talks with unspecified countries about hosting a subsequent summit. The Swiss President and Foreign Minister highlighted the diplomatic achievements despite the non-participation of some countries.
