BEFORE it even began, it was clear that the recent two-day summit in Stansstad, Switzerland, on “peace in Ukraine” would not — and could not — succeed in moving towards a settlement that would end the decade-long conflict, even if that had ever been a serious intention.

Sixty-eight of the countries invited, including China, declined to attend, leaving the US, Britain, the EU, Nato and their allies to dominate proceedings. Russia, one of the two protagonists, was excluded. Of those present, 12 refused to sign the final communique.

Significantly, these included Brazil, the Vatican City, South Africa and a number of developing countries. In the end, none of the Brics countries, neither the original five nor subsequent members, signed the final document.