Germany has suggested Switzerland and Austria as potential locations for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The initiative has sparked discussions about the legal implications of hosting such a meeting, particularly given the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants issued against Putin. These warrants complicate the diplomatic process, as they raise questions about the legality of engaging with a person under international investigation.
Other countries that have been proposed as possible hosts for the meeting include Hungary, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These nations have varying relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, making them potential intermediaries in the ongoing conflict. However, the selection of a host country is a sensitive issue, as it could impact the diplomatic efforts and the perception of the meeting’s legitimacy.
Despite the legal challenges, Germany has expressed its willingness to host the meeting, indicating a desire for diplomatic engagement. The ICC warrants remain a significant obstacle, and any discussion of a meeting would need to address these legal concerns. The potential meeting could be a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.