In a major diplomatic gathering set to take place over the weekend, Swiss President Viola Amherd announced that nearly 90 countries and organizations have confirmed their attendance at the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit. The summit aims to chart a path towards possible peace in Ukraine, almost 28 months after Russian forces invaded the country.

With about half of the attendees represented at the head of state or government level, the summit will bring together top country leaders and representatives from organizations like the United Nations. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris are among the prominent figures expected to participate in the summit held at the Bürgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne in the village of Obbürgen.

However, the notable absence at the summit will be Russia. While Moscow was not invited, it also stated that it would not have attended anyway as the conference is based on the peace proposals of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which Russia rejects. The exclusion of Russia reflects the ongoing tensions and differences in approaches towards resolving the conflict.

Swiss President Amherd emphasized that the summit is not about propaganda but rather focuses on providing a platform for dialogue and fostering peace through humanitarian aid. She stated that the objective of the summit is to reach a common understanding towards achieving lasting peace in Ukraine and to draw up a roadmap for involving both sides in talks.

The Swiss government, which sent out around 160 invitations, has expressed that the participation of fewer than 100 entities in the first phase of the peace process is not a disappointment. The final list of participants is expected to be confirmed by Friday, although it remains uncertain if key developing countries such as Turkey, South Africa, and Brazil will attend. Brazil and China have stated that they will only participate if all sides, including Russia, are present.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stressed the importance of Russia's involvement in the peace process, acknowledging that it cannot be achieved without their participation. Switzerland has been in frequent contact with Moscow regarding the conference.

The Ukrainian government, which has helped coordinate the summit, will be represented by President Zelenskyy. He has been actively pushing for attendees to join the summit, and has accused China and Russia of attempting to undermine it. The Swiss-hosted conference follows the recent G7 summit in Italy, highlighting international efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Aside from discussions on peace, nuclear security, humanitarian aid, and food security will also be on the agenda during the summit. Swiss authorities have noted an increase in cyberattacks leading up to the event but did not provide further details.

In preparation for the summit, as many as 4,000 military personnel will be deployed to provide security and support air transportation, surveillance, and the installment of security fencing and steel wire. On Monday, Swiss troops set up a makeshift heliport near the resort in a grassy field, surrounded by barbed wire, resonating with the anticipation and the seriousness of the upcoming peace summit.