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Putin, Vladimir

European Leaders Scramble for Venue as Ukraine's Zelenskyy and Russia's Putin Prepare for Peace Talks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European leaders seem relieved that their efforts to get Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a seat at the table where decisions about his country's future are being made have paid off. However, the most difficult diplomacy now lies ahead as the international community searches for a suitable venue for talks between Zelenskyy and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Given the complexities surrounding Putin's ICC warrants, several European states are being considered as potential hosts for the negotiations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pointed to Switzerland as a possible venue, highlighting its good track record in the past. However, Switzerland's ICC membership and technical obligations to arrest Putin create a legal dilemma.
  • Austria's Chancellor has offered Vienna as a possible venue, citing its long history of diplomatic deal-making and its ability to maintain a neutral stance.
  • Hungary, while potentially easier in terms of international law, is politically unpalatable for many Europeans due to its historical associations with Russia and its reluctance to support EU sanctions.
  • Turkey, as a NATO member, could offer a convenient location for talks, given its geographical position and warming relations with Russia.
  • Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both with a track record of international negotiations and outside the ICC, are being considered as possible venues for talks.
  • The Swiss government emphasizes its long experience in hosting peace processes, including talks between Putin and former US President Joe Biden in 2021.
  • Austria's professor of political science, Reinhard Heinisch, highlights Vienna's ability to facilitate compromises in the past.

Statistics:

  • There are 125 countries signed up to the ICC, with technical obligations to arrest Putin if he enters their territory.
  • Russia and the US do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, leading to legal debate on whether Putin has immunity.
  • The US has imposed sanctions on more ICC judges as part of its ongoing diplomatic assault on the ICC.
  • Geneva has hosted talks between Putin and former US President Joe Biden in 2021.

Sources:

  • Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, _RTS_
  • Matthias Holvoet, University of Amsterdam, _DW_
  • Reinhard Heinisch, University of Salzburg, _DW_
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, _X_
  • Joe Biden, former US President, _Geneva Talks_

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