Russia Deems Swiss 'Peace Summit' a Fraud and Declines Participation

Russia will not participate in the Swiss-organised 'peace summit' follow-up, labeling it as fraudulent. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the summit as another act of fraud by Western nations and their Ukrainian allies. Russia is open to discussions on serious proposals that reflect the reality on the ground.

Russia has confirmed its decision to abstain from any follow-up to the Swiss-organised 'peace summit' that took place in June, describing it as fraudulent. This statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Saturday.

'This process itself has nothing to do with a settlement,' Zakharova accused, writing on the Telegram messaging app. She went on to characterize the summit as 'another manifestation of fraud by the Anglo-Saxons and their Ukrainian puppets.'

Zakharova noted that Russia remains open to engaging in discussions involving 'truly serious proposals' that acknowledge the 'situation on the ground.' It is noteworthy that Russia was not invited to the June meeting; however, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed hopes to organize a follow-up meeting by the year's end, including Russian participation.

(With inputs from agencies.)