Switzerland is gearing up to host a peace conference between Ukraine and Russia this June, aiming to pave the way for Moscow’s inclusion in the dialogue after an intense two-year conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on the upcoming talks, remarked that it would be “ironic yet troubling” if Russia were excluded from discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing hostilities between the two nations.

Earlier, the Swiss authorities revealed plans for a significant international gathering, with invitations extended to more than 100 countries, to address the path to peace in Ukraine after years of devastating warfare. Switzerland remains hopeful that Russia will join the peace initiative in the coming months.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioned that any ceasefire talks with Ukraine could prove fruitless if they fail to consider Russia’s concerns.

Russia has not endorsed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposed peace plan, which calls for the removal of Russian forces, compensation for damages, and international scrutiny of Russia’s actions.

Putin described the planned Swiss conference as a “peculiar assembly,” while meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. He commented, “They seem to think we’re not needed there, yet claim nothing can be resolved without us. It’s both amusing and distressing,” as reported by _TASS.

Lukashenko suggested that without Russia’s involvement, participants of the conference might only reach agreements that escalate tensions further.