Ukraine Engages in Peace Formula Discussions in Malta; Russia Not Present, Reports Reuters

By Christopher Scicluna

VALLETTA – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed a gathering of over 60 national security advisers on Saturday, urging them to adopt his 10-point peace plan with Russia as a global model.

The meeting, held in neutral Malta, aimed to assess the commitment of Ukraine and its Western allies to maintain and expand support amid shifting attention towards the escalating conflict in Israel.

Zelenskiy lamented the absence of Russia at the talks, recalling previous discussions in Jeddah and Copenhagen. He expressed a desire for a future where history is defined by peace, in line with international law and the United Nations Charter.

"However, does the U.N. Charter work?" he questioned in his address, which was later posted online in English. "In Ukraine, the Middle East, and various African nations, the answer is found in the mourning of mothers burying their children and the hopelessness of orphans created by war."

He emphasized the need for a different response to the ongoing violence, declaring, "The world has witnessed too much bloodshed."

Zelenskiy’s 10-point peace initiative includes calls for restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawing Russian forces, ensuring food and energy security, establishing nuclear safety protocols, and releasing all prisoners.

Participants of the meeting expressed hope that it would lead to an agreement to convene a global peace summit later this year.

Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg reiterated his country’s support for restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, stating, "Despite our neutral status, we cannot ignore the injustices and abuses in the region. We stand firmly against this aggression."

Though no official list of attendees was released, officials confirmed the representation of various European, South American, Arab, African, and Asian countries. Zelenskiy noted that 66 states were represented.

A European Union official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, mentioned that countries such as China, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates were absent, unlike the previous meeting in Jeddah. However, notable participants included Armenia, the Holy See, and Mexico. Representatives from the European Council and the European Commission were also present.

The official highlighted that the current meeting, with increased global participation, underscores the significance of restoring just peace beyond Ukraine, particularly given the intensifying violence in the Middle East.

Co-chairs from Ukraine and Malta released a joint statement emphasizing participants’ commitment to achieving just and lasting peace based on the U.N. Charter. They recognized the essential work of the groups focusing on nuclear safety, humanitarian issues, and food and energy security.

Preparatory steps for a potential future peace summit are anticipated, although no specific date has been set.