Russia will never participate in Switzerland’s conference on Ukraine even if officially invited, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
“Russia does not intend to take part in such a conference even if it is officially invited,” she said, commenting on the issue of Russia’s participation in the event, which is allegedly being prepared in Switzerland.
The diplomat pointed out that “this forum will be dedicated to the promotion of [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky’s ‘peace formula’ of ultimatum, although its Swiss organizers pretend that they are looking for a common denominator of peace initiatives of different countries.” Zakharova emphasized that the upcoming conference is a continuation of the Copenhagen format meetings, which discredited themselves from the start and have now reached a stalemate.
The spokeswoman paid attention to the fact that “Switzerland can hardly serve as a site for various peacekeeping efforts, as this implies a neutral status, which Bern has lost.” “It is taking an openly pro-Ukrainian position, voting in favor of anti-Russian resolutions, considering the seizure of our frozen assets, joining illegal anti-Russian sanctions, and hosting meetings according to the Zelensky formula,” she listed. “Finally, in January 2023 it was enshrined in the Swiss foreign policy strategy that the European security system should be built not with Russia, but ‘against Russia.’ These actions are incompatible with mediation services,” Zakharova stressed.
According to the diplomat, Russia remains open to talks on the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. “However, any serious proposals for talks should be preceded by Zelensky’s revocation of his decree banning the possibility of negotiations with Russia, a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine and clear signals of readiness to take into account today’s realities and Russia’s legitimate interests. A language of ultimatums in unacceptable for Russia,” Zakharova concluded.
source: TASS
