Russia Confirms It Will Not Participate In 'Formula Zelensky' Meeting

JAKARTA - Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would not participate in a conference on Ukraine in Switzerland, planned for June, or in other events regarding the 'formula of peace' proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Conference organizers from Switzerland openly distort the facts. Russia will not participate in a meeting called the summit in Switzerland, or basically in any event that promotes an ultimatum-like 'Zelensky flag'. Even if we will continue to be invited to such forums," Zakharova said, commenting on Switzerland's statement, at this stage Russia was not invited to a 'peace conference' in June.

The diplomat further stressed that Switzerland cannot serve as a platform for a settlement dialogue.

"This country has lost its neutral status, its ability to become a mediator. The country has taken sides with the Kyiv regime, actively supporting it, taking anti-Russian positions, imposing sanctions on us, adopting strategies that exclude Russia from European security systems," Zakharova said.

As previously reported, Switzerland in January said it would host the summit at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That is based on President Zelensky's peace formula and other peace proposals based on the UN Charter and key principles of international law.

The talks aim to create an endowment peace framework, and a roadmap for Russia's participation in the process, he said.

"The main goal of this summit is to inspire a peace process in the future," the Swiss Government said.

Switzerland has invited more than 160 delegates to attend a conference discussing the Ukraine conflict in Lucerne on June 15-16. Invited delegates include members of the G7, G20, groups BRICS, the European Union, international organizations and two religious representatives, Switzerland said.

The Swiss government on Thursday said Russia's "at this stage" was not among many countries invited to hold talks, saying it had always shown openness in inviting Russia. However, Moscow has repeatedly underlined that they are not interested in participating in initial negotiations.

"Switzerland believes that Russia should be involved in this process," the Swiss government said in a statement.

"The peace process without Russia is unlikely," he continued.