Eighty countries on Sunday jointly called for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any future peace agreement to end Russia’s two-year war,although some key developing nations – including India,South Africa and Thailand - did not join in.
Swiss President Viola Amherd,federal cabinet minister Bill Shorten and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the peace summit in Switzerland.Supplied
The joint communique capped the two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine meeting at the Burgenstock resort,near Lucerne in Switzerland. The summit was marked by the absence of Russia,which was not invited,though many attendees hoped Russia could join a road map to peace at some point in the future.
Shorten,who represented the federal government at the mountaintop resort at the request of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese,said the event was a strong expression of solidarity that had reinvigorated global momentum behind Ukraine.
He rejected the notion that Russia’s no-show had rendered the event irrelevant,saying it had sharpened the focus of what was at risk following the country’s illegal invasion and annexation of several Ukraine regions.
“Australia is an island and uniquely fortunate to occupy an entire continent,” Shorten,who took part in more than 35 formal and informal meetings with world leaders,said. “But Australia is linked to all other nations of the world by our shared humanity.
“We understand that if Russia was to succeed and Ukraine to fall that there would be a bell tolling for all humanity.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the show of international solidarity for his country after two days of talks involving 100 delegates,including heads of state and government.
In a boost for Kyiv,European countries seen as friendlier to Russia,including Hungary and Serbia,were among the backers of the communique,which states that a “just and lasting peace in Ukraine” requires adherence to “the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states”.
“We are at war and we don’t have time for prolonged war,” Zelensky said after the talks concluded. “Moving to peace means acting fast – preparations will take months,not years.”
He said he would hold peace talks with Russia tomorrow if Moscow pulled out of all Ukrainian territory.
US Vice President Kamala Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.AP
Shorten said Australia would continue to support Ukraine where possible,but that any further aid package – on top of the $1 billion already committed – would be up to the Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
He said he had discussed how Ukraine could help support its wounded military population and would explore avenues for supplying expertise and closer co-operation with the allied healthcare sector.
The war has wounded and maimed tens of thousands of Ukrainians who are in need of prosthetics,wheelchairs and rehabilitation services,as well as mental healthcare.
Shorten said while the government’s top priorities remained cost-of-living issues for Australians,it was important to remember it could “walk and chew gum” at the same time.
“We’re doing our bit,” he said. “I don’t think anyone expects Australia to be the leader here,but I think they were pleased to see us give what we have,which is a significant amount. Australians will also be pleased to know that the country is respected for its contribution.”
Shorten said most Australians understood that the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens all nations.
The themes of nuclear safety,food security and prisoner exchanges featured in the final statement. The declaration also urged the return of deported children,estimated at more than 19,500 by Ukrainian authorities.
“We don’t need to be told for whom the Ukrainian bell tolls. It tolls for all of us,” Shorten said.
“That is why we will stand with Ukraine until its children are returned,until its borders are recognised,until the Russian forces leave Ukrainian soil,until the grain ships can sail impeded to Africa ... until there is a just and lasting peace.”
At a final press conference,Swiss President Viola Amherd said the broad global participation was an encouraging sign.
“For months we have talked of war and weapons deliveries,” she said,“but now we have spoken about peace for the first time at a meeting of this kind.”
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