Vladimir Putin peace terms slammed as Ukraine summit begins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has branded Russian President Vladimir Putin's peace plan as "absurd" ahead of a summit in Saudi Arabia, where leaders from developing nations are gathering to discuss the war. The summit, which is not being attended by Putin, is seen as an attempt to build support for a Ukrainian-led peace initiative. Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will only engage in negotiations that involve the full restoration of its territorial integrity. However, Putin's demands include the recognition of Russian sovereignty over the annexed Crimean peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine, which Zelensky has rejected. Key Western allies are backing Ukraine's position, emphasizing the need for a negotiated solution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are also calling for Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian officials have said that Putin's plan amounts to the 'surrender of Ukrainian territory'. They also expressed concern over the participation of Russia's close ally, Belarus, in the summit. Belarus has been a key staging ground for Russia's invasion. The summit is intended to bring together countries that have been less vocal on the war, including many from the Global South, and encourage them to engage in efforts to end the conflict. It is hoped that the summit will help to build momentum for a negotiated settlement, but it remains unclear what level of influence the summit will have on the course of the war.

Summary

"The summit in Saudi Arabia aims to build international support for Ukraine's peace plan and encourage a negotiated settlement of the war. However, the summit is facing challenges, including the differing positions of Ukraine and Russia on key issues, and the participation of Belarus. It remains to be seen what impact the summit will have on the war."