Switzerland says 90 states, organizations confirmed participation in Ukraine peace summit

GENEVA

Switzerland on Monday announced that at least 90 states and organizations confirmed their participation in the Ukraine peace summit at the Burgenstock resort.

The two-day summit, which aims to "develop a common understanding for a possible path toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," will begin on Saturday.

"The broadest possible participation is important in order to be able to initiate a broadly backed process," Swiss President Viola Amherd told a press briefing in Berlin. "The fact that so many states are sending such high-ranking delegations shows that it was right to initiate a broadly backed process."

Amherd noted that half of the countries will be represented by the heads of state.

Responding to reporters, she said Türkiye has confirmed participation, while Brazil and South Africa have not officially confirmed yet.

She added that the list is ever-changing and will remain so up until the last day, and that the government on Friday evening will be able to give definitive indications as to who will be in attendance.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said: "I have been very clear from the beginning: there can't be a peace process without Russia. We need to say that very clearly."

"So the question isn't whether Russia will be on board, but the question is when Russia will be on board," he added.