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Zelensky has leveled accusations against confident Arab leaders, accusing them of turning a blind eye to Russia’s invasion as he prepares to attend the G7 summit in Japan. He is scheduled to arrive in Hiroshima on Sunday to secure additional military support for a planned counter-offensive.
Before heading to the G7 summit, Zelensky took part in an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia on Friday. Among the Arab League nations, only Syria openly supported Russia’s invasion, while other member nations sought to maintain positive relations with Moscow.
During his speech in Jeddah, Zelensky expressed disappointment with those who ignored the plight of prisoners of war and the illegal annexations. He emphasized the need for independence and urged everyone to take an honest look, despite Russian attempts to exert influence.
In his address, Zelensky also drew parallels between his country’s defense against invaders and the historical experiences of the Arab world. As the host nation, Saudi Arabia adopted a delicate stance on the conflict. While supporting a UN resolution calling for Russia to withdraw its troops and pledging $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Saudi Arabia refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia, positioning itself as a neutral party in the conflict. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s offer to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv to end the fighting.
Recently readmitted to the Arab League, Syria’s leader, Bashar al-Assad, highlighted the historic opportunity for the region to reshape itself without foreign interference during the summit.
Zelensky also criticized Iran, a non-member of the Arab League, for allegedly supplying drones to Russia, although Iran denies involvement in the conflict.
While it has yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected that Zelensky will travel from Saudi Arabia to attend the G7 summit. The summit began on Friday with a renewed condemnation of Russia and the announcement of additional sanctions. The G7, composed of the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan, represents the world’s wealthiest democracies. This year, eight other countries, including Australia and India, have also been invited.
Although traveling outside of Ukraine poses potential risks to his safety, Zelensky believes the benefits outweigh the dangers. He recognizes the importance of his physical presence at international events to ensure a deeper understanding of the situation in his country.
In recent days, Zelensky has visited Italy, Germany, France, and the UK, solidifying commitments of military support. He continues to urge allies to provide advanced fighter jets, but no country has yet made a direct commitment. Zelensky hopes to secure weapons deals by attending in person, including a promise of lethal weapons from Japan. In Hiroshima, he will likely focus on persuading more cautious leaders, such as Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Indian leader Narendra Modi, to provide aid.
Although Japan has shown great sympathy for Ukraine, its strict military laws have so far limited its contribution to non-lethal defense equipment.
The first day of the summit concluded with a statement from G7 leaders, pledging “new steps” to halt the war in Ukraine and imposing additional sanctions to increase the costs to Russia and its supporters. The leaders vowed to restrict Russia’s access to G7 technology, industrial equipment, and services that aid its war efforts and limit its revenue from energy and diamond sales.
Separately, British PM Rishi Sunak announced the UK would impose sanctions on the Russian diamond industry and target individuals and companies linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The summit, set to conclude on Sunday, is expected to end with a communique addressing the war in Ukraine.
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Source: Omanghana.com
