BERLIN — Volodymyr Zelensky attempted yesterday from Davos to accelerate the peace process. Swiss President Viola Amherd has announced that she is ready to host a “high-level” conference in Switzerland to discuss the ten-point plan proposed by Kiev. And the Ukrainians’ ambition is to raise the level of attendance after the four “technical” conferences in Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Malta and, last Sunday, in Davos. Zelensky wants to be able to organize a maxi summit of heads of state and government, even involving China, which has so far been reluctant. But from the main European chancelleries he reveals a not too veiled skepticism.
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«Europeans and Americans believe it is too early», reasons a German source: «Because the South of the world is skeptical and in particular Africa is pushing for a solution to the conflict in Israel to be found first». Gathering them around a table now to talk about Ukraine «when India continues to be ambiguous and China may not participate, and when the Americans have clearly warned Kiev that it must at least have the support of the Brics, risks being a gamble. And to end up in a flop.”
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Zelensky’s idea, echoed by a diplomat with the microphones turned off, «is that there be a big conference of the leaders, and then it continues with mini summits hosted by certain countries on individual points: Turkey for food security or Netherlands for justice. The West, however, had advised Zelensky the exact opposite: to start with conferences on less controversial topics.” And instead the Ukrainian president attempted to flee forward yesterday.
Meanwhile, disturbing news arrives from Germany. In a confidential document from the Ministry of Defense it is hypothesized that Putin may attempt an attack on Europe as early as next autumn. Moscow is apparently preparing a plan to stir up the Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic countries – a scheme that would be similar to that of Donbass in 2014. And in the autumn, close to the American elections which could put Trump back in the saddle, Putin would try to force his hand in the Lithuanian corridor- Polish territory of Suwalki, the territory that links the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to Belarus. The Bundeswehr has not denied it and has actually pointed out that it is preparing for “any eventuality”. And the ministry led by Boris Pistorius has made it known that it “takes the threat” posed by Russia seriously. The current year will also be that of “Steadfast Defender”, the “largest NATO exercise in recent decades”, with forces coming “from all 31 allies and Sweden”. It will be based «on the new defense plans of the Alliance». A NATO spokesperson stated this to ANSA.