Article:
In an international summit held in Switzerland to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine, the leaders of Italy and Germany have strongly rejected the ceasefire terms proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit, known as the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, brought together more than 90 countries and global institutions to address the ongoing war.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, dismissed Putin's plan as "propaganda" and criticized the suggestion that Ukraine "must withdraw from Ukraine." Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled the proposed terms as a "dictatorial peace." Both leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposal, indicating that it did not align with their countries' principles.

Putin's plan, announced on Friday before the summit, declared that a ceasefire could be achieved if Ukraine withdrew its troops from four regions that Russia partially occupies and claims to have annexed. However, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that there would be "no compromise on independence, sovereignty, or territorial integrity."

The absence of Russia and China, a key ally of Russia, at the summit has lowered expectations for significant progress at this stage. Nonetheless, Ukraine sees the gathering as a success due to its global reach and the participation of numerous countries.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused Putin of creating a "phoney narrative" about his willingness to negotiate, emphasizing that countries supporting Russia's weapon supplies are on the "wrong side of history." Sunak's comments align with the broader sentiment among western nations, who have condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Zelensky expressed a desire to "give diplomacy a chance" and highlighted the potential for joint efforts to bring an end to the war. His aide, Mr. Yermak, disregarded China's absence and suggested presenting a joint plan for peace talks to Russia at a second leaders' summit.

It is essential to note that Putin has already rejected any peace process based on Ukraine's terms. Russia's demands for Ukraine to withdraw from four partially occupied regions have been deemed "offensive to common sense" by Ukraine, which denounces Russia's claim of annexation.

In addition to the summit, discussions have focused on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to raise $50 billion per year for Ukraine. This financial assistance would provide much-needed support to the country in its struggle against Russia's invasion.

As tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, the United States has expanded its sanctions on Russia, targeting banks and tech companies. Russia's actions in Ukraine are seen as sabre-rattling by the international community, further exacerbating the already strained relations between Moscow and Western nations.