Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged Russia to send representatives to the second conference on resolving the Ukrainian conflict, set to be held in November. The invitation could be an attempt to reach a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin before a possible future Trump presidency. 

Speaking at a news conference broadcast on Ukrainian television, Zelenskiy stressed the importance of Russian participation.

"I believe that Russia's representatives should be at the second summit," Zelenskiy said. "I am setting a goal for us to have a fully ready plan in November. When the plan is ready, everything will be ready for the second summit."

The initial conference took place from June 15-16 in Buergenstock, Switzerland, at Ukraine's request. Notably absent were Russia and delegations from numerous UN member states, including Armenia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Mexico, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the Vatican.

However, various outlets such as The Spectator and Al Jazeera have referred to the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland as a “failure” and a “flop.”

“Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Global Peace Summit in Switzerland was meant to demonstrate the world’s support for Kyiv and underscore Russia’s isolation. It did the opposite,” wrote Owen Matthews in The Spectator.

The Sydney Morning Herald pointed out that Zelenskiy’s relationship with Trump has been “fraught” as the latter has repeatedly accused him of corruption. A 2019 phone call during which Trump allegedly asked Zelenskiy to help him investigate allegations against Biden that ultimately led to the former president’s impeachment likely did not help the relationship, either. Hence the invitation to Russia by Zelenskiy could be an attempt to reach a deal with Putin before a possible return of Trump to power.

Trump has boasted he would end the Russia-Ukraine war if he wins before being sworn into office. The Washington Post reported that his peace plan would likely involve ceding vast swathes of territory to Russia in exchange for peace, something Zelenskiy has previously rejected.

A recent survey by the Razumkov Center, commissioned by the "Mirror of the Week" newspaper, indicated that 44% of Ukrainians believe it is time to initiate peace talks with Russia. Regional variations in sentiment were noted, with support for negotiations highest in the south at 60%. Despite the interest in talks, a significant majority of Ukrainians (84%) are unwilling to concede to Moscow’s territorial demands. Additionally, 77% oppose lifting sanctions against Russia, and 58% reject introducing provisions for Ukraine's nuclear-free and non-aligned status into the constitution.

The poll, conducted from June 20-28, did not include military personnel, thereby reflecting civilian perspectives. It highlights a growing domestic push for peace negotiations, as echoed by some bloggers and opposition politicians in Ukraine. This trend is evident on social media, where influencers with large followings increasingly call for an end to hostilities, even if it means territorial concessions.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s openness to dialogue, provided it achieves its objectives. On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a new peace architecture, listing conditions that included the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass and Novorossiya, Ukraine’s neutrality and the lifting of Western sanctions. These conditions were rejected by Kyiv.

Nonetheless, as bne IntelliNews reported, the Ukrainian war seems to be inching toward a ceasefire as pressures mount on both sides.

In a related development, Spain's Defence Ministry announced the shipment of ten Leopard 2A4 battle tanks to Ukraine, following extensive repairs. This latest delivery is part of Madrid’s ongoing support, with a total of 20 Leopard tanks already sent and a potential additional batch expected in the latter half of 2024. The current shipment of tanks is scheduled to arrive at a Polish port by the weekend, after which they will be handed over to the Ukrainian armed forces.