War-time According to a Ukrainian official, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will make the bold journey halfway around the world this weekend to attend the Group of Seven meeting in Hiroshima, Japan, in an effort to get guarantees for continuous armaments and aid from the world’s richest nations.
Due to the potential for a Russian strike on his flight or convoy, security concerns have necessitated the withholding of specifics about Zelensky’s travel and their strict protection.
Over the next three days, the G7 leaders—including President Biden and his colleagues from Japan, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy—will discuss how to thwart Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Reports say the G7 will likely discuss sanctions enforcement, whether to provide F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv and the possibility of negotiations over an armistice or peace treaty.
Oleksii Danilov, the head of Ukraine’s national defense council, announced Zelensky’s trip on national television following news reports that he would attend.
“Very important things will be done there; therefore, the physical presence of our president is important in order to defend our interests,” Danilov said. “To provide clear proposals and clear arguments regarding the events taking place on the territory of our country.”
There have been no reported attempts by the Russians to obstruct Zelensky’s travels throughout the previous week during which he has visited Britain, France, Germany, and Italy.
According to Ukrainian officials, Zelensky’s attendance at the meeting will be especially crucial in convincing the leaders of countries like India, Brazil, and others who have been reluctant to assist Ukraine to reconsider their support for Russia.
Zelensky had already been rumored to attend the G7 conference online by Ukrainian and Japanese news sources before the Financial Times first reported on his actual attendance.
As Ukraine prepares for an imminent counter offensive to regain territories lost to Russia, Ukraine hopes to turn the tide of a conflict that in recent months has settled into a grinding battle with little movement.
“We have a task to maintain the momentum of international support and communication for Ukraine,” Zelensky said in his nightly address on Thursday. “I am confident that we will accomplish this task.”