Russia Praises China for Boycotting "Biased" Swiss Peace Conference

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed gratitude to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi for China’s decision not to participate in the upcoming Switzerland-hosted “peace conference” on Ukraine.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov commended China’s “balanced and consistent line on the crisis around Ukraine,” including Beijing’s refusal to send a delegation to the June 15-16 event near Lake Lucerne.

Russia has criticized the conference, arguing that it is designed solely to promote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “peace formula” and impose ultimatums on Moscow. Lavrov stated that the event completely ignores other peace initiatives and that Switzerland has lost its neutral status by joining Western sanctions against Russia.

China confirmed earlier this month that it will not attend the summit, citing a lack of recognition from both Moscow and Kiev, unequal participation of all sides, and a failure to fairly discuss all peace proposals. Beijing stressed that its absence does not mean it has abandoned efforts to facilitate a resolution between Russia and Ukraine.

Zelensky has said the conference will focus on three points of his ten-point plan, including prisoner exchanges and nuclear/food security issues. However, he has opposed Russia’s presence, claiming it would allow Moscow to disrupt Ukraine’s diplomatic endeavors.

Also Read:Swiss Summit In Limbo As Many Leaders Decline Attendance

Russia maintains that it remains open to negotiations, but Zelensky has signed a decree banning talks with the current Russian leadership after four former Ukrainian regions voted to join Russia in 2022.

As the Switzerland conference approaches, the participation of world leaders remains uncertain, with the U.S. and China , Latin America , almost all Asian countrie boycotting the Zelensky -led peace summit . South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva have also indicated they will not be attending.