Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland: Which world leaders to participate

Photo: A number of world leaders will come to the Peace Summit, but several will not (RBC-Ukraine collage)

The Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland will take place this week on June 15-16. Approximately 90 countries have confirmed their participation, with some delegations not represented at the highest level.

RBC-Ukraine reports on which world leaders will attend the forum and who will not.

Which world leaders will attend the Summit

Emmanuel Macron

Last week, the Elysée Palace confirmed the participation of the French president. At the Summit, Paris will expand political and diplomatic support for Ukraine.

"I will be in Switzerland," Macron said at a recent press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He also described the upcoming Summit as animportant step towards building long-term peace. And expressed hope that as many world leaders as possible will come to Switzerland.

Olaf Scholz

The German Chancellor confirmed his participation a month ago. His press service, following a phone conversation with Zelenskyy, stated that official Berlin supports the Summit. Moreover, Scholz promised to remain in close contact to work on engaging other leaders.

On the eve of the Summit, he stated that he is "working tirelessly" towards achieving a just peace.

"Vladimir Putin must realize that he cannot win his brutal campaign... The policy of peace means that we support Ukraine," the Chancellor emphasized.

Scholz added that on the sidelines of the Summit, he will campaign among representatives from Asia, Africa, and South America to make it clear to Russia that international law remains a priority, and Russia must end its aggressive war.

Fumio Kishida

The Japanese Prime Minister will attend the G7 summit, which will take place on June 13-15 in the Italian city of Brindisi. He will also attend the Global Peace Summit.

According to the Secretary of the Government of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on the sidelines of the G7 meeting with invited President Zelenskyy, new aid will be discussed, including the use of interest from frozen Russian assets and strengthening sanctions. Contacts will continue in Switzerland afterward.

Hayashi stated that the Peace Summit is very important, describing it as a meeting to demonstrate international support for Ukraine's efforts.

Justin Trudeau

The Canadian Prime Minister announced his participation in the Global Peace Summit back in May.

"The First Peace Summit for Ukraine is in June — and Canada will be there. I look forward to joining other world leaders to advance our shared goal of just and lasting peace for Ukraine," he wrote in his microblog on the social media platform Twitter (X).

Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel

The participation of the President of the European Commission these days was confirmed by the EU representative Eric Mamer.

"From June 15 to June 16, Ursula von der Leyen will be in Lucerne and will take part in the Peace Summit in Ukraine organized by Switzerland," he announced.

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, mentioned his participation back in May during a call with President Zelenskyy.

"I call on all global leaders to support this peace effort by Switzerland," he added.

It's worth noting that among the European leaders, participation has been confirmed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and others.

Additionally, it is known that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will attend the Summit.

World leaders who will not attend the Summit

Joe Biden

The American President will attend the G7 summit but will not travel to Switzerland. As stated by the White House, the US delegation will be led by Vice President Kamala Harris.

She will represent the administration in supporting Ukraine's efforts to achieve a just peace. Also, Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will participate in the Summit.

Giorgia Meloni

The leader of another G7 country will not attend the Swiss meeting. The Italian delegation will be led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"I will be present at the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland," confirmed Antonio Tajani in an interview with one of the local television channels.

Xi Jinping

The participation of the Chinese leader seemed unlikely from the beginning. Firstly, Xi Jinping rarely participates in such forums. Secondly, his demonstrative neutrality regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war rather suggests support for Moscow.

As stated by the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, there will be no Chinese delegation in Switzerland at all. Beijing demanded "equal participation" for Russia.

"China is hardly able to take part in the meeting and has informed relevant parties of our consideration and concerns. We will continue to promote talks for peace in our own way, maintain communication with all parties and jointly accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis," she added.

Anthony Albanese

Australia will participate in the Summit, but not at the level of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It is reported that he and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will be meeting with the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during these days.

The Australian delegation in Switzerland will be led by the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, Bill Shorten. This unexpected choice was made despite Kyiv's request to ensure representation at least at the level of a deputy prime minister.

"But the fact remains that Mr Shorten is the minister for the NDIS and doesn’t even sit on the national security committee of cabinet, making this a most confusing and inadequate appointment for anyone who looks at it," noted opposition representative Simon Birmingham.

Javier Milei

The leader of another G20 country will not attend the Peace Summit. Although he will be at the G7 meeting in Italy. According to Argentine media, the decision was confirmed during diplomatic consultations.

Javier Milei was personally invited by President Zelenskyy. It's worth noting that Zelenskyy was present at Milei's inauguration back in December 2023.

Initially, Milei planned a 10-day tour of Europe. However, it became known that he decided to split the trip into two parts. Supposedly, this decision is related to national holidays in Argentina - June 17th, the National Day of Latin American Freedom, and June 20th, Flag Day.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

The Brazilian President will ignore the Summit. It is expected that the Brazilian delegation will be led by Ambassador Fonseca Buzzi in Switzerland, and such a level of representation was chosen because there will be no Russians at the meeting.

Local media report that Lula da Silva has no intention of sending representatives from the top echelon, such as Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira or Chief International Affairs Advisor Celso Amorim. The idea is to ensure the presence of someone who is not authorized to make decisions.

Narendra Modi

The Indian Prime Minister stated back in May that his country would participate in the Summit. However, he emphasized that the level of representation depends on timing, logistics, and concurrent commitments.

Local media note that officials of lower rank from New Delhi will attend the Swiss meeting. Perhaps, a secretary from the Ministry of External Affairs or a deputy national security advisor.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

As it became known, the Turkish President will also not attend the Peace Summit. The Turkish delegation will be led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan.

The presidential office stated that the presence of the Foreign Minister is a "sufficient measure."

It's worth noting that among the G20 member countries, Mexico and Saudi Arabia will also ignore the meeting in Switzerland.