According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, representatives from around 80 countries had agreed to take part. That was far more than at the three previous conferences last year in Denmark, Saudi Arabia and Malta. The focus is on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “peace formula”.
His country has been defending itself against a Russian war of aggression with Western help since February 24, 2022. His ten-point plan includes, among other things, the withdrawal of all Russian troops, punishment for Russian war criminals, reparations and security guarantees. Ukraine is seeking widespread recognition to take the wind out of the sails of countries that want to pressure it into making concessions to Russia.
“Our determination remains resolute to protect our freedoms and thwart (Vladimir) Putin’s criminal attempt to build his new empire on our land,” wrote Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidential office in Kiev, in a guest article in the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” with regard to the Russian president. He is chairing the conference together with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. “Ukraine will not be intimidated by Russia’s constant bombardment or by Putin’s bombastic speeches.” The peace formula is not a wish list, but a detailed proposal. “The active participation of many third countries will give it enormous legitimacy.”
Zelensky is expected in Davos himself. He is scheduled to give a speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Tuesday. It starts on Monday evening. The WEF is supporting the Ukraine conference logistically and will broadcast a press conference on its website at 1 p.m.
