Last updated: 16.01.2024, 04:07 a.m.
By: Nils Hinsberger
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The World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos until 19 January. The event will kick off with a conference on the war in Ukraine. All information in the news ticker.
- Ukraine at the World Economic Forum: Zelensky wants peace conference
- Conditions for peace: Zelensky's representative calls for ceasefire
- This World Economic Forum news ticker will be updated continuously.
Update from January 16, 4:00 a.m.: Switzerland wants to take on the role of host of a peace conference for Ukraine desired by President Volodymyr Zelensky. At the request of the Ukrainian president, Switzerland is ready to host a summit, the Swiss government announced on Monday (15 January). "Further details are now being worked out." Alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd, Zelensky said in Bern that the summit should be open to all countries that respect Ukraine's sovereignty. "So draw your conclusions from who we invite," Zelensky told reporters.
The Russian government rejected the peace summit. Nothing can be achieved there because Russia should not be involved in the talks.
Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation, talks to Volodymyr Zelensky. © Alessandro Della Valle/dpa
"We want the Global South to be present," the Ukrainian president said. "It is important for us to show that the whole world is against Russian aggression and the whole world is for a just peace." Neutral Switzerland has already contributed to conflict resolution in the past and could now help find a solution to the war that began with the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.
Neither Zelensky nor Amherd gave any indication of when and where the summit could take place. Zelensky is in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos. There he could meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang. From the point of view of the government in Kiev, China is of crucial importance in the efforts to end the war.
Zelensky representative names peace plan for Ukraine war
Initial report: Davos – In the run-up to the World Economic Forum in Davos, representatives of more than 80 nations met last Sunday (14 January) for a conference on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The main focus was on Ukraine's proposals on how to establish peace between Russia and its neighbouring country. To this end, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent his representative Andriy Yermak to the Swiss ski resort.
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Ahead of World Economic Forum: Ukraine unveils peace plan for war with Russia in Davos
Yermak issued a list of demands that would be necessary for a lasting ceasefire with Russia. As reported by the news channel n-tv, Ukraine is demanding the withdrawal of all Russian troops, including from the occupied Crimean peninsula. In addition, criminal consequences for war crimes committed, reparations and security guarantees are necessary. According to Yermak, however, peace negotiations with Russia are not possible at the moment.
Swiss Foreign Minister at World Economic Forum: A long road to negotiations in the Ukraine war
Representatives of the BRICS countries were also present at the Fourth Peace Formula Conference, which the Foreign Minister of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, emphasized as extremely positive. The countries would keep the channel of communication with Russia open. So far, however, neither side is willing to negotiate, Cassis said.
The most important information about the World Economic Forum 2024 at a glance:
| Who attends the meeting? | Representatives from 120 countries. These include government representatives, CEOs, presidents of directors and representatives of international organisations |
|---|---|
| How many participants are expected? | 2800 |
| What are the main topics this year? | security and cooperation; growth and jobs; Artificial intelligence; Climate, Nature and Energy |
| Where is the World Economic Forum taking place? | Davos, Switzerland |
| Who founded the World Economic Forum? | Klaus Martin Schwaab, economist from Germany |
| How much does it cost to attend the World Economic Forum? | CHF 60,000 per year |
To ensure peace between the two countries, "Russia must be brought on board," Cassis said at a press conference. Now it is necessary to "prepare ourselves so that we are ready to start a process with Russia – when the time comes." (With agency material)