The two-day international peace summit on Ukraine took place at the Bürgenstock resort in central Switzerland, with more than 90 countries and representatives of international bodies participating. Although experts and critics do not expect any major breakthroughs due to Russia’s absence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the potential for peace. Working groups at the summit were expected to discuss issues such as nuclear safety, food security, and humanitarian assistance. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, has been a particular concern due to Russian occupation and intermittent fighting in the area. The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned of the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict to the plant’s safety.
Food security has also been a major issue in Ukraine, with the country’s status as a major grain exporter disrupted by the war. Russia’s occupation of Crimea and targeting of Ukraine’s agriculture sector have led to significant disruptions in supply routes and production infrastructure. A deal brokered in 2022 allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian grain through Black Sea ports, but Russia withdrew from the agreement, causing further challenges for Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Last year, Ukraine became the most mined country in the world, with hidden munitions affecting agricultural productivity. The total cost of losses and damages to the country’s agriculture sector has been estimated at $40.2 billion.
During the summit, Zelenskyy expressed hope for the potential to make history by taking the first steps toward peace, despite Russia’s absence. Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out conditions for ending the war, including Ukraine dropping its bid to join NATO and withdrawing troops from illegally annexed regions. However, these demands were deemed unacceptable by Kyiv, which currently lacks the ability to negotiate from a position of strength. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy portrayed the summit as a success, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in stopping war and establishing a just peace.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns about nuclear safety, particularly at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been affected by the war. The plant, which supplied 30% of Ukraine’s electricity before the conflict, has stopped generating power for the national grid. Intermittent fighting around the plant has raised fears of a potential accident, prompting calls for an immediate cessation of attacks in the area. The IAEA has noted that the war has compromised all seven pillars of nuclear safety and security at the plant, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict to ensure the safety of the facility and surrounding areas.
In addition to nuclear safety concerns, food security has also become a major issue in Ukraine due to disruptions caused by the war. The country’s status as the ‘breadbasket of Europe’ has been compromised by attacks on its agriculture sector and disruptions to supply routes. A deal allowing the safe export of Ukrainian grain through Black Sea ports collapsed after Russia’s withdrawal, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukraine’s agricultural sector. With the country becoming the most mined in the world, the total cost of losses and damages to its agriculture sector has been substantial. Addressing these issues will be crucial in ensuring the long-term stability and recovery of Ukraine’s economy and food production capabilities.
