The head of the Brazilian delegation to a Saudi-hosted summit on the Ukraine conflict, Celso Amorim, has expressed doubt that any progress can be made without Russia’s involvement in the negotiations. Speaking by video link on the first day of the gathering in Jeddah, Amorim stated that any real negotiation must include all parties, including Moscow. He emphasized that if peace is truly desired, Russia must be involved in the process in some way.
The summit in Jeddah has invited representatives from 40 countries, many of whom have resisted pressure from the United States to take sides in the Ukraine crisis. These countries view the conflict as a proxy war between major powers and have chosen to remain neutral. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador previously rejected the talks, stating that they would be pointless without Russia’s presence.
Amorim emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine is not just a dispute between Russia and Ukraine but is also part of the longstanding rivalry between Russia and the West. He highlighted the complex dynamics at play and called for a comprehensive approach that involves all relevant parties.
However, Russia remains skeptical about the peace plan presented at the summit. Moscow sees the gathering as an attempt by the West to persuade neutral countries to support the “ten-point peace formula” proposed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The Russian Foreign Ministry has criticized the proposed negotiations, stating that they amount to an attempt to form an anti-Russian coalition.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Ukrainian plan demands Russia’s total capitulation and requires turning a blind eye to the persecution of ethnic Russians in Ukraine. Despite this, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s willingness to engage in peaceful attempts to resolve the conflict. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the talks will not be useless if they help the Western countries understand the lack of prospects in Zelensky’s plan.
The conflict in Ukraine is a complex and multifaceted issue that goes beyond a simple territorial dispute. It has become a chapter in the longstanding rivalry between Russia and the West. In order to achieve lasting peace, it is crucial that all parties, including Russia, are involved in the negotiation process. The summit in Jeddah provides an opportunity for dialogue and understanding, and although there are differences in approach and perspectives, it is important to continue efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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