World leaders have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed terms for a ceasefire in Ukraine. On Friday, Putin stated that he would halt military actions if Ukraine's military, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, withdrew from four regions claimed by Russia since February 2022. Additionally, Putin demanded Ukraine renounce any plans to join NATO.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Putin's proposal, labeling it a move toward a "dictatorial peace." UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak further accused Putin of "spinning a phoney narrative" regarding his willingness to negotiate.
The criticism of Putin's terms coincides with a two-day peace summit in Switzerland, attended by over 90 countries and NGOs in support of Ukraine. Key discussions at the summit focused on nuclear safety, humanitarian issues, and food security. Notably absent from the summit were Russia and its ally China. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the summit would lead to broad international support for a plan to end the conflict, which he could later present to Moscow.