Ahead of his expected appearance at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, President Volodymyr Zelensky made a short visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to attend the ongoing Arab League conference. Only Syria among the Arab League members, has openly endorsed Russia’s incursion in Ukraine. Other members have made efforts to preserve strong ties with Moscow.
Volodymyr Zelensky accused certain Arab leaders of “turning a blind eye” to Russia’s invasion. “Unfortunately, there are some in the world and here among you who turn a blind eye to those prisoner of war cages and illegal annexations,” Zelensky said. “I’m here so that everyone can take an honest look, no matter how hard the Russians try to influence, there must still be independence,” he added.
Mr Zelensky also explained to the leaders in Jeddah that, his country was defending itself against imperialism, seemingly reminiscing the Arab region’s own history of invasion and occupation.
Saudi Arabia has traded a fine line in the conflict, backing a UN resolution to call on Russia to evacuate its troops. Jeddah has also committed $400 million in assistance to Ukraine while opposing imposition of sanctions on Russia, thus affirming itself as neutral in the conflict.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Jeddah’s willingness to mediate between Moscow and Kiev, in order to resolve the conflict at the conference. Last year, the country assisted in arranging prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
“We reaffirm the kingdom’s readiness to continue mediating efforts between Russia and Ukraine, and to support all international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis politically in a way that contributes to achieving security,” the crown prince said in his opening remarks.
Syria, who has just been reinstated to the Arab League; its leader, Bashar al-Assad, said at the summit that, the region now have a significant chance to restructure itself without international meddling.
Mr Zelensky also threw shades at Iran, which is not a member of the Arab League, for providing Russia with Shahed drones. Iran has denied providing drones to Russia.
Zelensky At G7 Summit
Although his office has not confirmed the visit, the Ukrainian President would likely travel from Saudi Arabia to the G7 summit. Mr Zelensky’s trip would be the longest he has had from Kyiv, since the war began in February 2022, and just like past trips outside of Ukraine, could endanger his life.
However, the danger would be worth taking, if the trip gains Ukraine even more assistance in his struggle against Russia.
“When a person is somewhere far away, across the ocean, somewhere else, they do not always feel and understand what is happening on the territory of our country. It is the physical presence of our president that is extremely important at such events,” Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council averred.
Mr Zelensky lately, has been to Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, where he has secured guarantees of military assistance. He also seeks to press partners to deliver modern fighter jets to Ukraine, though no country has pledged to do so directly.
When he arrives in Hiroshima, he would almost certainly try to convince more cautious leaders, such as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to lend assistance.
“By showing up in person, it is a chance for him to ensure he does not come away empty-handed, and that he will head back to Kyiv his arms full with the weapons deals that he wants,” including a pledge of lethal weaponry from Japan, John Kirton, director of G7 Research Group think tank disclosed.
Though Japan has been extremely supportive of Ukraine, but its strict military laws have meant that, it only supplies non-lethal defense equipment thus far.
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