U.S. provides millions to Kiev, Meloni denies Putin's request
Peace Talks for Ukraine in Switzerland Yield Promising Results
The Peace Conference in Switzerland for Ukraine initiates fruitful outcomes from the get-go. Kiev receives massive investments from the USA, amounting to hundreds of millions, for infrastructure development and humanitarian aid. Besides, Austria and Italy discard Putin's rumored proposal.
At the kickoff of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine, the USA has vowed extra millions in humanitarian assistance and energy network improvements for the nation. The US government designated around 500 million dollars (around 467 million Euros) for these purposes, with 324 million dollars (approximately 303 million Euros) earmarked for infrastructure development, and an additional 379 million dollars (approximately 354 million Euros) for humanitarian aid to aid Ukrainians forced to leave their homes, requiring food, water, and shelter.
According to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, the Ukraine conference offers a conceivable means to escape a stalemate. "We seem to be trapped inside a western echo chamber. We all agree, but that's not enough," the Austrian prime minister stated on the second day of negotiations at Bürgenstock near Lucerne. The EU and US strive to mobilize more allies to amplify pressure on Moscow in the Ukraine conflict. "Absent the participation of countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, we will not be able to influence the Russian Federation to change its course," Nehammer declared.
Countries such as India, Brazil, China, and South Africa are vital in this context. The fact that India and Brazil - although not at the ministerial level - are present at the conference presents a "ray of hope" according to Nehammer.
Scholz advocates for a "fair peace"
Putin's peace talk proposal the day prior was dismissed as "propaganda" by the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. "It appears to me that this proposition lacks effectiveness as a negotiation offer, as it essentially demands Ukraine to withdraw from Ukraine," Meloni stated during a press conference following the G7 summit in Italy. Putin's claims resembled more of a "propaganda tactic." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also dismissed Putin's proposition as an "imposed peace." "What we require is not an imposed peace, but a fair, just peace that respects the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Scholz told ARD.
The Kremlin leader had called for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four Ukraine regions under Russian occupation as a prerequisite for a ceasefire and peace talks. Kiev was also required to renounce NATO membership.
Heads of government and diplomats from 92 countries will deliberate on initial steps in the peace process for Ukraine over the weekend. Russia showed no interest in the meeting and was not invited. Vice President Kamala Harris is present for the US, representing President Joe Biden, who is attending a campaign rally in California.
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- Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, highlighted the necessity of a "fair peace" for Ukraine during the peace talks, rejecting Putin's proposal as an "imposed peace."
- The peace talks in Switzerland saw the participation of various international leaders, including Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who expressed hope for the involvement of countries like India and Brazil in the process.
- Contrary to Putin's request, Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, denounced Putin's peace proposal as "propaganda" during a press conference following the G7 summit.
- During the peace talks, the US, represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, vowed additional millions for humanitarian aid and infrastructure development in Ukraine.
- In response to Putin's request for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from four regions under Russian occupation and renounce NATO membership, Kiev and its allies at the peace talks maintained their opposed stance.
