World leaders gathered at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland to discuss a peace roadmap for Ukraine, despite the notable absence of Russia. The summit, taking place over two days, aims to address the ongoing conflict more than two years into the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of joint efforts to halt the war and achieve a just peace, even as the combatants remain deeply divided. Kyiv demands the withdrawal of Russian forces from all seized territories, while Moscow continues its offensive in eastern and southern Ukraine.

The conference includes representatives from Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, and North America. Despite the lack of Russian participation, Zelenskyy highlighted the global commitment to peace.

“Russia’s absence signifies its lack of interest in peace,” Zelenskyy stated. Leaders at the summit face the challenge of condemning Russia’s actions while keeping open the possibility for future peace talks.

Key figures at the summit include U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who announced $1.5 billion in new assistance for Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who stressed the need for Russia’s involvement in credible peace talks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan acknowledged the deep mistrust between Russia and Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for Russia’s accountability and reparations.

Despite Russia’s non-attendance, the summit seeks to build consensus on three key points from Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan: nuclear safety, prisoner exchanges, and global food security. These are considered less controversial compared to demands for Russian withdrawal and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

China, a significant ally of Russia, also skipped the event, reinforcing its stance that any peace process requires both Russia and Ukraine’s participation.

The war’s impact continues with ongoing shelling in Ukraine, causing civilian casualties. The conference aims to lay the groundwork for future peace initiatives, even as the conflict rages on.