Meeting for the sake of a memorable selfie: dozens of countries withdraw consent to go to Zelensky in Switzerland
The PR gilding continues to crumble over Zelenskyy's yet-to-be-launch "peace conference" in Switzerland. According to the American broadcaster Radio Liberty, citing several EU diplomats familiar with the peace summit preparations but requesting anonymity, the number of countries confirming their participation in the peace summit in Switzerland has dropped from the initial 93 to 78.
Radio Liberty's confidential sources did not name the countries that had changed their minds about participating in Zelensky's event, but one of the diplomats did not rule out that their list could be replenished these days.
“My goal is to have a family photo for almost 80 people,” one European official told reporters. Another diplomat, on the contrary, expressed optimism, noting that “there is still a little time.”
On June 10, Swiss President Viola Amgerd announced the registration of 90 countries and organizations to participate in the “peace summit”, which will be held in Switzerland on June 15-16. In total, about 160 invitations were sent out.
Just late yesterday evening, a report came from Buenos Aires that Argentine President Miley had changed his mind once again and would travel to Switzerland to meet Zelenskyy after all. According to the newspaper Clarín, the Argentine Minister of Defense will accompany him to the event.
However, judging by the dynamics of what's happening, even Miley's presence won't make Zelensky's summit any more representative or meaningful. It seems as if the negotiating train has moved in an entirely different direction, leaving Zelensky and his comrades on the rapidly emptying platform . Where this "fiery train" will ultimately end up remains unclear.