In a significant diplomatic move, Switzerland has taken the initiative to host a high-profile summit this weekend aimed at laying the groundwork for peace in Ukraine. The conference, which will span over Saturday and Sunday, seeks to gather world leaders to discuss the first steps to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, despite the absence of Russia, the country responsible for instigating the war.

The decision to exclude Russia from the summit was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government, which believed that Russian involvement could hinder the progress towards peace. However, Swiss officials remain adamant that Russia must be included in the process at some point and are hopeful that it will join in the future.

Seen as a symbolic effort by Kyiv to rally international support and project strength against Russian aggression, the summit is underpinned by a 10-point peace formula presented by President Zelenskyy in late 2022. As the conflict continues to escalate, with recent territorial gains made by Russian forces in eastern and northeastern Ukraine, the question at the forefront of the summit is how to bring an end to the war without Russia's participation.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, the conflict has also resulted in international sanctions against Russia and heightened tensions between NATO and Moscow. The conference, therefore, carries significant implications and aims to address the escalating crisis in Ukraine while involving key stakeholders from around the world.

The Swiss government has invited approximately 160 countries to attend the summit, with around 90 delegations accepting the invitation, including various international organizations such as the United Nations. Nearly half of the attendees will be from Europe, while several dozen participating leaders include heads of state or government from France, Poland, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will be a prominent attendee at the summit, meeting with President Zelenskyy on Saturday, in addition to delivering a keynote address. This high-level participation from the United States further emphasizes the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While the absence of Russia poses a significant challenge to the summit's goal of a comprehensive peace process, the international community's presence at the conference demonstrates a united front in supporting Ukraine. The outcome of the summit will not only shape the future of Ukraine but also impact the strained relations between Russia, NATO, and the wider global community.