No plans to postpone, hoping for China's participation: Zelenskyy's aide on peace summit
Andriy Yermak, Head of the President's Office (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine cautiously hopes that China will participate in the upcoming peace summit, states the Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak at a press briefing.
"No, I don't believe the peace summit should be postponed. I believe we should use this moment," Yermak says in response to a question from an RBC-Ukraine correspondent.
According to the Head of the Presidential Office, the last meeting held in Davos brought together 84 countries. At the same time, the number of participants continues to grow, so it's important not to allow the Russian Federation to divide the world.
"It's important not to waste time because, for us, time means human lives and the destruction of our country. That's why we are working persistently. It's delicate work with every country. We are being heard," he adds.
Yermak also mentions that the recent visit of China's Special Representative Li Hui gives "cautious hope" that China will also join the summit.
"We are in constant contact with the Global South countries... Our successes on the battlefield and diplomatic successes together should produce the result that Ukraine so desperately needs," notes the Head of the Presidential Office.
Global Peace Summit
On October 11, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his speech before the leaders of the G7 countries, first voiced the Peace Formula, which includes defensive support for Ukraine, protection of territorial integrity, punishment for those responsible for armed aggression, and more. Overall, the initiative includes 10 points.
Ukraine has already organized several meetings based on the Peace Formula at the level of heads of state advisors. Their goal was to involve as many countries as possible in supporting the relevant initiative.
Already in January 2024, Ukraine and Switzerland began preparations for the Global Peace Summit, which will take place at the level of heads of state. Meanwhile, China is also considering participating in the peace conference. However, as Politico writes, Beijing may boycott peace negotiations to settle the war if Europe does not allow Russia to participate in them.
