Davos Talks: Growing Support for Ukraines Peace Formula

At a recent meeting in Davos, leaders discussed Ukraines peace formula and the growing international support for it. Despite the ongoing conflict, countries from Europe, Asia, and Africa are joining efforts to help Ukraine.

Leaders of talks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace formula convened in Davos, Switzerland, on Sunday, January 15, 2023. The discussions centered around the growing support from an increasing number of countries working to lay the foundation for Russia's eventual participation in peace negotiations, albeit as a distant goal amidst the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy's Peace Formula and International Support

This fourth meeting of national security advisors took place in Davos, where President Zelenskyy is scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting starting on Tuesday. Zelenskyy's primary objective is to maintain international focus on Ukraine's defense, despite waning support from the West and competing global conflicts.

Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, expressed optimism regarding the expanding participation in the conferences on Zelenskyy's peace formula. He highlighted the involvement of nearly half of the participants from Europe, along with 18 from Asia and 12 from Africa. Yermak emphasized the growing engagement of countries from the Global South, recognizing the global implications of the European conflict.

Key Points of Zelenskyy's Peace Formula

Zelenskyy's 10-point peace formula encompasses several crucial elements, including the expulsion of all Russian forces from Ukraine and accountability for war crimes. However, these ideas face staunch rejection from Moscow.

Yermak stressed the importance of restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, violated by Russia through illegal annexations. He warned that failure to do so would set a dangerous precedent, emboldening other aggressors to seize territories and manipulate elections.

No Compromise for Ukraine

At the concluding news conference, Yermak reiterated Ukraine's unwavering stance against any compromise that undermines its interests. He emphasized that allies have never pressured Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises, and the country will not accept a frozen conflict. The ultimate goal for all Ukrainians remains the decisive victory in the war.

Peace Talks and Russia's Absence

The Ukrainian presidency released a statement emphasizing that a simple ceasefire would not end Russia's aggression. Yermak asserted that Russia's intentions are not peaceful but rather aimed at domination.

Co-host Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss foreign minister, confirmed the presence of 83 delegations at the Davos talks. He expressed Switzerland's commitment to ending the war and acknowledged the need to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The ongoing discussions build upon previous closed-door efforts held in Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Malta last year. However, any peace deal requires Russia's participation, which is currently absent from the discussions.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Cassis acknowledged the challenges in crafting a workable peace formula, as neither Ukraine nor Russia is willing to make territorial concessions. He emphasized the need to prepare for the moment when Russia might join peace negotiations, although Moscow has dismissed the initiative as biased.

Despite the complexities, Cassis stressed the importance of reducing the intensity of the conflict and working towards a potential departure point for peace. The Swiss foreign affairs department provided a sobering assessment, acknowledging that the war is far from over and peace remains elusive.