📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
Saudi Arabia has shocked the global community by announcing that it will not participate in the upcoming Global Peace Summit focused on Ukraine, scheduled to take place on June 15-16 in Switzerland. The decision from Riyadh follows the refusal to attend the summit due to the absence of delegates from Russia. This move comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s reported intention to seek support from Saudi Arabia at the event, with an expected meeting between Zelensky and the Saudi crown prince in Jeddah. However, recent reports now indicate that Saudi Arabia is unwilling to participate in the summit. This development comes just days after China also declined to be part of the conference.
The decision not to attend the summit was reported by the German media outlet Bild, with reference to the dpa news agency. The move raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s stance on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, especially considering the significant role the country plays in global diplomacy and as a mediator in regional conflicts. Saudi Arabia’s absence from the summit could have implications on the discussions and outcomes of the event, potentially impacting efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
President Zelensky’s efforts to garner support from a wide array of countries, including those hit hard by the war in Ukraine, highlight the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing the conflict. With the participation of nations like India, Brazil, and China, the summit aims to draft key principles to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and create a pathway towards peace and stability in the region. The absence of key players like Saudi Arabia raises concerns about the effectiveness of the summit and the prospects for a meaningful resolution to the conflict. As the global community watches closely, the impact of Saudi Arabia’s decision on the peace talks remains to be seen.
