The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyarrived this Saturday in the Japanese city of Hiroshima to attend a diplomatic summit with the leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies, an appearance that seeks to capture global attention as its allies step up pressure on Russia for the invasion that began 15 Years ago. months.
Strengthening international support is a top priority for Ukraine as it prepares for what is seen as a major offensive to retake territories captured by Russian forces since the war began in February last year.
The president’s visit comes hours after Washington agreed to allow Ukrainian pilots to train on powerful US fighters, laying the groundwork for possible to send fighters.
Japan has indicated that Zelensky’s decision to visit Hiroshima was due to his “strong desire” to participate in talks that will affect his country’s defense against Moscow.
“Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends from Ukraine. Strengthened security and cooperation for our victory. Peace will be closer today,” Zelensky tweeted upon arrival in Hiroshima on a plane supplied by France.
An EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to reporters about the deliberations, explained that Zelenskyj will attend two separate sessions on Sunday.
The first will be exclusively with G7 members and will focus on the war in Ukraine, while the other will see the participation of the other nations invited to the summit and will talk about “peace and stability”.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said thePresident Joe Biden and Zelenski will maintain direct contact during the summit.
Biden announced his support for training Ukrainian pilots on US-made F-16 fighters the day before, as a step before supplying these aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force.
“It is necessary to improve (Ukrainian) air defense capabilities, including the training of our pilots,” Zelensky wrote on his official Telegram channel after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Threat from Moscow
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Grushko accused Western countries of “continuing on the path of escalation” in the Ukrainian conflict by announcing their intentions to train pilots and supply F-16 fighters to Kiev, and Russia will prepare to counter this step .
“The progress of escalation continues. And we see that Western countries are sticking to the script of escalation for now. This carries colossal risks for them,” he said during the 31st Assembly of the Foreign Policy and Defense Council held in Russia, quoted by Interfax.
According to the senior Russian diplomat, “in any case, it will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the set objectives”.
In a joint statement on Saturday, the Group of Seven He promised to increase the pressure.
“Russia’s brutal war of aggression poses a threat to the entire world and violates the norms, rules and fundamental principles of the international community. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,” the statement read.
World leaders had to make a balance exercise at the Hiroshima Summit to address a number of global concerns that require urgent attention, such as climate change, artificial intelligence, poverty and economic instability, nuclear proliferation and, above all, the war in Ukraine.
Pressure on China
China, the world’s second largest economy, is the nexus of many of these problems.
Concern is growing in Asia that Beijing, which has steadily developed its nuclear weapons program, may try to take Taiwan by force, leading to further conflict.
China claims the autonomous island as part of its territory and conducts frequent sea and air patrols in its vicinity.
The G7 also explained on Saturday that it does not want to harm China and that it seeks “constructive and stable relations” with Beijing, “recognizing the importance of frank dialogue and expressing our concerns directly to China”.
Furthermore, in a joint statement, he urged the country to put pressure on Russia end the war and “uphold a comprehensive, just and lasting peace”.
“We call on China to pressure Russia to stop its military aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukraine immediately, completely and unconditionally,” the statement read.
“We encourage China to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter”, including in direct talks with Kiev.
North Korea, which has been testing missiles at a breakneck pace in an effort to refine its nuclear program, must completely abandon its ambition to make a nuclear bomb, “including any new tests or launches using ballistic missile technology.” states the note.
The G7 unveiled a new round of comprehensive sanctions against Moscow, along with other plans to enhance the effectiveness of existing financial measures to undermine Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war effort.
Russia is the most sanctioned country in the world, but the effectiveness of the sanctions raises doubts.
“Our support for Ukraine will not waver,” the G7 leaders said in a statement after a closed meeting on Friday. Furthermore, they said they would remain “united in the face of Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine”.
“Russia started this war and can end it,” the statement added.
Zelensky has repeatedly called on Western fighters to strengthen the country’s defense. As its anti-aircraft defense improves with systems provided by its allies, and as it prepares for an expected counter-offensive, authorities believe the fighters could be essential to the European nation’s long-term security.
Source: AP
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.