“Zelensky’s Diplomatic Journey: Volodymyr Zelensky to Attend Hiroshima G7 Meet on French Plane”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to make a notable entrance at the G7 summit in Hiroshima as he arrives on a French plane. This unexpected move not only allows Zelensky to engage with allies like US President Joe Biden but also provides an opportunity to court key unaligned powers attending the summit, such as India and Brazil.
Zelensky’s decision to travel to Hiroshima in person, rather than appearing via video conference as previously expected, underlines the significance of his presence at the summit. The stop in Jeddah to address the Arab League further adds to the diplomatic importance of his trip. Zelensky is scheduled to arrive on Saturday afternoon aboard a French plane, according to a diplomatic source.
His arrival follows a breakthrough in Ukraine’s efforts to secure advanced fighter jets and training from the United States. This development is crucial as Washington’s approval is legally required for the re-export of US equipment purchased by allies. Although the provision of F-16s had faced obstacles in the past, Biden’s support for the request marked a historic decision, as emphasized by Zelensky.
The meeting between Zelensky and Biden in Hiroshima will focus on the practical implementation of the plan, as stated by Zelensky. While the timeline for the training remains uncertain, the decision to provide F-16s has been welcomed by allies, including the United Kingdom. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stressed that the move was not a shift in US policy but rather a response to the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s need to deter Russian aggression.
Zelensky’s presence at the G7 summit will undoubtedly shape the discussions in the remaining days, shifting the spotlight to Ukraine amidst other pressing topics, such as addressing concerns about China’s influence. The summit will include sessions on economic coercion, diversification of key sectors and supply chains, and engagement with non-members to offer diplomatic and economic alternatives.
As Zelensky engages with G7 leaders and other invitees, including Brazil and India, discussions on peace, stability, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine will take center stage. The Ukrainian president is also scheduled to hold one-on-one meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In addition to unveiling new sanctions against Russia, the G7 leaders have expressed their commitment to curbing Russia’s military aggression. This summit serves as a platform for collaborative efforts aimed at supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while striving to maintain global peace and stability.
