Must secure peace on Ukraine’s terms

Leaders representing 90 countries attended the meeting.

At the conclusion of the Summit, the organisers issued a final joint communiqué. It stated, among other things: ‘We had a fruitful, comprehensive and constructive exchange of  various views on pathways towards a framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter.’ 

Common vision

The leaders attending the Summit agreed on a common vision on the following crucial points:

• Any use of nuclear power must be safe and secured, and must operate under full control of Ukraine. Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in this war is inadmissible.
• Global food security depends on the secure transport of food products, and attacks on merchant ships carrying grain and other food products are unacceptable.
• All prisoners of war must be released by exchange, and all deported Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully displaced and detained by Russia must be returned to Ukraine.

The leaders have shared proposals for concrete measures to encourage progress on the three points mentioned above.

‘The fighting continues unabated in Ukraine, and we are nowhere near peace. But we are a step closer to what could become a future peace. The fact that so many countries support this framework and agree on a way forward is of great significance,’ said Mr Støre.

Same goals

The discussions that took place at the Summit in Switzerland were built on previous discussions regarding Ukraine’s Peace Formula and the 10 points President Zelensky put forward in the autumn of 2022. Norway has taken on special responsibility for the points related to achieving energy security and the return of deported children, other civilians and children.

The return of deportees in particular will require direct contact with Ukraine’s closest partners as well as with countries that have open channels to Russia.  

A number of countries have already helped to facilitate humanitarian exchanges and the safe return of some of the deported children, unlawfully detained civilians and prisoners of war.

‘The participants at the Summit in Switzerland are all working towards the same goals. We must find effective ways to support one another and take full advantage of our differing strengths and capacity to contribute,’ Prime Minister Støre said.

Unlawfully deported children

During the Summit, Mr Støre chaired the open session on the return of deported children, other civilians and prisoners of war. Many insightful assessments and experiences were presented during the discussions on relevant methods for approaching Russia.  

‘This affects the lives of thousands of people, and their families and friends. While much has been achieved in this area, a great deal of work remains. We will now look more closely at the type of practical follow-up called for. Norway will do its part to help in this context,’ said the Prime Minister.

He emphasised that it must be up to Ukraine to determine the timing and conditions for a future peace deal.

‘Our support for Ukraine is unwavering. We support Ukraine’s demand to set the terms on which a fair and lasting peace must be based,’ Mr Støre said.