Taoiseach says Putin in 'no position' to make demands of Ukraine

Simon Harris was among several world leaders attending the Peace Summit for Ukraine this weekend in Switzerland

By: irishmirror.ie

Jun 16 2024
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Taoiseach says Putin in 'no po

The Taoiseach said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in “no position” to make demands of Ukraine as he attended a summit yesterday which is trying to restore peace in the region.

Simon Harris was among several world leaders attending the Peace Summit for Ukraine this weekend in Switzerland. Over 100 delegations including European bodies and the United Nations are discussing plans for the first steps towards peace in Ukraine.

The meeting began after Mr Putin said Russia would end the war if Ukraine dropped its NATO ambitions, hands over four provinces claimed by Moscow and carries out demilitarisation.

But the Taoiseach said the Russian president is in “no position to be placing preconditions on peace”. He added: “This war must end, and it is so important that the world comes together this weekend to speak with one voice,” he said.

“Russia’s brutal, illegal invasion of Ukraine needs to end - there needs to be respect for international law, for territorial integrity, for democracy and freedom.”

However, the gathering in Switzerland was skipped by US President Joe Biden, shunned by China and dismissed as a waste of time by Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walks with guards during the Summit on Peace in Ukraine (Image: Sedat Suna/Getty Images)

China’s absence in particular has dimmed hopes the summit would show Russia as globally isolated, while recent military reverses have put Kyiv on the back foot.

The talks are expected to focus on broader concerns triggered by the war, such as food and nuclear security, and a draft of the final declaration identifies Russia as the aggressor, sources said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the summit’s wide attendance was a success and added that agreements from it would be part of the peace-making process.

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