Expected Discussion on Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal
Interest in Xi Jinping's Attendance

The Ukrainian government is reportedly planning to hold a "Ukraine Peace Summit" by inviting leaders from various countries ahead of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit scheduled for July, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). While leaders from countries excluding Russia are expected to be invited, attention is focused on whether China, which is demonstrating solidarity with Russia, will participate.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 30th (local time), WSJ cited Ukrainian government officials and diplomats from various European countries, reporting that the Ukrainian government is pushing forward with the peace summit. According to WSJ, the meeting plans to invite NATO member country leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, as well as pro-Russian or neutral countries that have not joined sanctions against Russia, such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil.

At the meeting, peace restoration measures, including the ceasefire proposal put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are expected to be discussed. The ceasefire proposal advocated by President Zelensky includes Russia’s complete withdrawal, restoration of Ukrainian territory, punishment for war crimes, and recovery of food security. According to WSJ, those preparing the meeting have expressed optimism about the possible attendance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The issue attracting the most attention is whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend. Although the Ukrainian government does not have high expectations, there is speculation that the Chinese government, concerned about confrontation with the U.S. and international isolation, might send a representative even if President Xi does not attend in person.

WSJ evaluated, "This summit carries significance in sending a strong message to the international community for ending the war in Ukraine," adding, "It will serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the diplomatic stance that the war must end, separate from the continued military support the U.S. and Western countries provide to Ukraine."

Meanwhile, Russia is expected to be excluded from the talks in principle. Russia demands recognition of its rights over the Ukrainian territories it declared annexed last year as a condition for ceasefire negotiations. This conflicts with Ukraine’s basic conditions, which call for Russia’s withdrawal and restoration of territory.