Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Ukraine needs a peace deal, not tanks
LIZ PAYNE explains that the only valid political demand over the conflict in Ukraine is that it is brought to an end as quickly as possible
This image taken from a video released by the Ukrainian Tsunami Assault Regiment, Liut Brigade, shows the northeastern frontline town of Vovchansk, Ukraine, during heavy bombardment by Russian forces, May 28, 2024

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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A man sits on a surfboard as a container ship and other commercial vessels appear anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, July 27, 2026
Middle East / 30 July 2026
30 July 2026
A family stands on ruins of their home after a Russian air guided bomb hit their private house in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
Military spending / 17 July 2026
17 July 2026

SOPHIE BOLT argues that spending more on military will harm rather than benefit Britain by diverting vital resources away from essential public services

TAKING FROM WELFARE TO GIVE TO WARFARE: Keir Starmer during a visit to defence contractor Stark in Swindon on June 5 2026
Features / 17 June 2026
17 June 2026

British military spending is among the highest in the world, diverts scarce resources from far better causes and fuels international conflict. It’s time we made different choices, argues LIZ PAYNE

A resident looks at his destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, August 30, 2025
Opinion / 4 September 2025
4 September 2025

While 69 per cent of Ukrainians want negotiated peace, Western leaders are cynically prolonging the war for their own strategic and economic goals, to the immense detriment of Ukraine and Europe, write BOB ORAM and MAGGIE SIMPSON