Geneva, Switzerland – Leaders from Italy and Germany have firmly rejected the ceasefire terms proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine. The rejection came as representatives from over 90 countries gathered in Switzerland for a summit to discuss ways to bring about peace in the war-torn region.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Putin’s plan as “propaganda” aimed at forcing Ukraine to withdraw from its own territory. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed the proposal as a “dictatorial peace,” highlighting the lack of true negotiation in the terms set out by the Russian president.

Putin’s conditions for a ceasefire include Ukraine withdrawing troops from four regions that Russia partially occupies and claims to have annexed. In response, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasized that there will be “no compromise on independence, sovereignty, or territorial integrity” of Ukraine.

The ongoing Summit on Peace in Ukraine aims to establish the basic principles for ending the conflict and has drawn significant global attention, with representation from various countries and institutions. However, Russia was notably absent from the event, with China, a key ally of Russia, also choosing not to attend, dampening expectations for substantial progress at this stage.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized Putin’s actions, accusing him of creating a false narrative about his willingness to negotiate while disregarding the true cost of the conflict. Sunak also condemned countries that continue to supply weapons to Russia, stating that they are aligning themselves with the wrong side of history.

Ukrainian officials view the summit as a success, citing its broad participation and global outreach. President Zelensky expressed optimism about the potential for diplomacy to prevail, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in resolving conflicts and fostering a just peace.

Despite Putin’s reluctance to engage in peace talks on Ukraine’s terms, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen insisted that freezing the conflict with foreign troops occupying Ukrainian land is not a viable solution. She warned that such a scenario could lead to future wars of aggression, underscoring the need for a genuine and lasting resolution to the crisis. Ukraine also condemned Putin’s ceasefire terms as “offensive to common sense,” reinforcing the country’s commitment to upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.