‘Absurd’ to hold Ukraine peace summit without Russia: North Korea

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - North Korea on Friday called holding a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland without the participation of Russia an “absurd” move.

Pyongyang said that by excluding Russia, this weekend’s summit amounts to a "conspiracy gathering under the pretext of peace" KCNA, the North’s state news agency, reported.

“The idea of discussing the Ukraine issue without including Russia, a key party in the conflict, is absurd,” said Pyongyang, according to KCNA, without giving more specific attribution.

China has also bowed out of attending the summit, saying it did not meet its expectations.

“It is only natural that the international community condemns this conspiratorial meeting, which is held under the guise of peace but aims to promote conflict and war," said Pyongyang, accusing the US of using the summit to “instigate war and confrontation.”

As the war, now in its third year, continues, North Korea has grown closer to Russia and supported its side in the war. The criticism of the peace summit comes amid reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin may also visit North Korea “in a few days.”