Zelensky launches diplomatic offensive at G7, calls on Beijing to “put pressure” on Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held bilateral meetings on Saturday upon his arrival at the G7 summit in Hiroshima (Japan), whose leaders also called on China to “press Russia to stop its aggression” against Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky, who landed in Hiroshima in the afternoon aboard a plane from the French republic, immediately predicted on Twitter that peace would be “imminent” after the summit, stalling a day before the US green light for future deliveries. followed by the American F-16 fighter jet, which it had been demanding from its western allies for a long time.

Ukraine’s president is trying to widen the circle of support for his country, which was invaded by Moscow fifteen months ago: upon arrival at the G7, he invited British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni, the then Prime Minister of India met the minister. Narendra Modi, whose country has so far refused to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

His presence in Hiroshima “could be a game-changer for Kiev”, French President Emmanuel Macron said of Mr Zelensky, ahead of a meeting between the two heads of state, as it would be a “unique opportunity for them not only to exchange d have the opportunity. With all his supporters in the G7, but also to try to rally other countries invited to the summit, such as India and Brazil.

Mr. Modi has already assured Mr. Zelensky that India will do “everything possible” to settle the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Mr Zelensky is also due to meet with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

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– “Historic” decision –

Washington made it known on Friday that Mr. Biden, overcoming his reluctance, was prepared to authorize other countries to supply Kiev with the fighters it sought, the American-made F-16s. A “historic” decision, Mr Zelensky welcomed.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also confirmed that the United States now supports a joint initiative by its allies to train Ukrainian pilots. During these long months of training, the Westerners would decide on the schedule for the delivery of the planes, their numbers and the countries that would provide them.

The United Kingdom said it was ready to work with its allies “to bring Ukraine the air combat capability it needs”, and Emmanuel Macron also said on Monday he was ready to provide training for Ukrainian pilots. The contours of which still need to be clarified.

While his country prepares for a major counteroffensive against Moscow, Volodymyr Zelensky has just returned from a tour of Europe where he again requested these fighters.

But so far, the West, led by the United States, has resisted these demands, citing the risk of escalation of the conflict and saying it was not a priority.

Mr Sullivan assured that US doctrine had “not changed”. The delivery of the weapons “complies with the requirements of the conflict”, he pleaded, believing that the F-16s were part of the equipment Kiev would need “in the future” to “defend and defend against any Russian aggression”. Able”.

– China, another head of the G7 –

Leaders of the Hiroshima summit also reaffirmed their “opposition” to any Chinese “militarisation” in the Asia-Pacific region on Saturday, saying there was “no basis” for the country’s “extensive maritime claims” in the sea off South China. no legal basis”.

However, he assured that he wanted “constructive and stable” relations with Beijing and underlined the “importance of frank dialogue” with the Asian giant.

On Taiwan, he reiterated his call for a “peaceful resolution” of disputes with China, which claims the island as one of its provinces.

The announcement is the result of negotiations between countries such as the United States, who take a strong stance against the backdrop of rising tensions with China, and others, on the European side, who insist on avoiding any atmosphere of “confrontation”. Are.

The G7 countries (United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada) in particular are looking to diversify their supply chains to be less dependent on Beijing. He railed against any attempt at “economic coercion”, targeting China without naming it.