Russia's participation in second Peace Summit possible under Grain Initiative format – Ukrainian Foreign Minister

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has stated that Kyiv is not seeking direct contacts with Russia, but its participation in the second Peace Summit is possible under the Black Sea Grain Initiative format.

Source: Kuleba on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In response to the question of who could potentially represent Russia at the second Peace Summit, Kuleba indicated that there had been a very successful experience of talks regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative. He mentioned that Ukraine conducted talks with Türkiye and the United Nations, while Türkiye and the UN engaged in talks with Russia.

Quote: "The agreement appeared as a document signed between Türkiye, the UN and Ukraine, as well as between Türkiye, the UN and Russia."

However, he emphasised that Kyiv had no intentions to have direct contact with Russia due to all its crimes and Moscow's strategic goal of destroying the Ukrainian state. 

Answering the question whether there are any safeguards to prevent the next agreement with Russia at the Peace Summit from collapsing, similar to what happened with the Black Sea Grain Initiative, he said that when it comes to Russia, the term "safeguards" is quite conditional.

"This is why the ultimate victory should be to create a reality where Russia is unable to repeat its attack on Ukraine," Kuleba noted, adding that security agreements with the US and other countries send a signal to Russian leader Vladimir Putin that there will be no fatigue in supporting Kyiv.

Background: 

• Earlier, Switzerland reported that it intends to discuss the Peace Summit, which took place on 15-16 June, with Russia, as well as with China and other countries that did not participate in it.
• Meanwhile, Viola Amherd, Head of the Swiss Federal Council, said Russia's participation in the peace process remained a key issue.
• Participants in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland issued a joint communiqué on the foundations of peace in Ukraine.

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