U.S. Vice President to Attend Ukraine Peace Conference

Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President, and Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, will represent the United States at the Ukraine peace conference hosted by Switzerland. The White House, in a statement announcing this news, added that Ms. Harris will emphasize America's commitment to supporting Ukraine's efforts to achieve a fair and sustainable peace guarantee based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and the principles of the United Nations Charter. According to the statement, Kamala Harris will also reiterate that the U.S. supports the people of Ukraine against Russian aggression. The Ukraine peace conference is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, with representatives from nearly 100 countries and international organizations from around the world attending in Switzerland. Ukraine's criticism of China: Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, on Sunday accused China of cooperating with Russia to disrupt the peace conference organized by Switzerland regarding the war in Ukraine. Zelensky, in his speech at the Shangri-La security conference hosted in Singapore, stated that China pressures other countries and their leaders not to attend this conference. He did not name any specific country or leader. He said, 'It is regrettable that a large, independent, and powerful country like China is a tool in Putin's hands.' The Ukrainian President stated that Beijing's support for Moscow is 'support for war.' Zelensky urged the defense ministers attending the aforementioned security conference to participate in the peace conference hosted by Switzerland. He expressed regret over some countries' reluctance to participate in this peace conference. Although Dong Jun, the Chinese Defense Minister, spoke before Zelensky at Shangri-La, he was not present during the Ukrainian President's speech at the conference venue. Zelensky outlined the main objectives of the upcoming conference in Switzerland as establishing peace, nuclear security, food security, the freedom of war prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The Ukrainian President stated that his country is ready to hear various proposals and viewpoints to end the war and establish a sustainable and fair peace. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, was present in the front row during Zelensky's speech. Austin and Zelensky met and discussed on the sidelines of the conference. The U.S. Secretary of Defense emphasized that Washington will never waver in its support for Kyiv. The Chinese Defense Minister, during his speech at Shangri-La regarding the 'Ukraine crisis,' without mentioning the upcoming peace conference in Switzerland, stated, 'China has been an advocate of peace dialogues with a responsible approach.' He claimed that his country has not provided weapons to either side of the war and supports 'peace and dialogue.' Since the beginning of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, China has claimed neutrality. However, trade relations between Beijing and Moscow have significantly expanded, which has reduced the impact of extensive Western sanctions against Russia. Additionally, Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese components are used in Russian weaponry, even if Beijing does not directly arm Moscow. Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Friday that China's participation in the peace conference hosted by Switzerland is unlikely. Beijing calls for a peace conference with 'equal participation of all parties,' including Russia, which has not been invited to the Swiss peace conference. Zelensky in Singapore; efforts to garner support from countries for the 'Ukraine Peace Summit' in Switzerland. Continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector; Zelensky called for air defense systems from the West. The U.S. allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to attack targets in Russian territory. Ukraine signed long-term security agreements with Sweden and Norway. The G7 expressed 'serious concern' over the deepening relations between Russia and North Korea. China responded negatively to Zelensky's request to attend the peace conference.