India Among Nations That Opt Out Of Ukraine Declaration

A summit aimed at ending the war in Ukraine has concluded in Switzerland, with dozens of countries committing to Ukraine's territorial integrity. However, several countries, including India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, did not sign the final communique.

The summit, attended by over 90 countries and international organisations, aimed to create broad support for a peace process. The final document blames Russia for the war's widespread suffering and destruction, and calls for Ukraine to regain control over occupied territories, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and Azov Sea ports.

The document also refers to Russia's invasion as a "war", a label which Moscow has rejected.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement: "India's participation in the summit, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraine's Peace Formula, was in line with our consistent approach to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy."

"We continue to believe that such a resolution requires a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the summit's results, saying they would be communicated to Moscow ahead of a second peace summit.

However, Russia has dismissed the Swiss event as a waste of time, and President Vladimir Putin has set conditions for a ceasefire, including Ukraine's withdrawal from four regions which Russia partially occupies and claims to have annexed.

The summit was hosted by Switzerland, which said that the vast majority of participating countries signed the final communique. Notable absences included Russia, which was not invited, and China, which is Russia's biggest backer.

Some of those gathered in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock were not Ukraine's closest supporters, including Saudi Arabia, whose foreign minister has warned that Ukraine will have to make difficult compromises, and Kenya, which spoke out against recent sanctions on Russia.