Volodymyr Zelensky will travel in person to Japan for the G7 summit, according to officials, a stark display of confidence and Western solidarity as Ukraine’s wartime leader tries to keep crucial support from allied nations flowing.
The surprise trip – which would be the Ukrainian president’s first to Asia since Moscow’s invasion of his country last February – comes as Kyiv is preparing a highly anticipated counteroffensive against Russia and building pressure on partner governments for more military aid amid intensifying aerial attacks.
“Therefore the physical presence of our president is absolutely important – to defend our interests, to explain, to provide clear proposals and clear arguments on the events that are taking place in our country,” he said. “These so-called ‘fence-sitter’ countries as Janet Yellen described them, have never seen him in person,” Lipsky said. “This is a rare opportunity to press his case directly to some of countries that are providing key economic support by continuing to trade with Russia.”
It would also send a signal of a confident and well-connected Ukraine that contrasts sharply with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who has become increasingly isolated and cut off in recent months – especially after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes.
But Kyiv’s anti-missile defenses – bolstered by crucial Western weaponry – have had apparent success with the Ukrainian Air Force claiming to have downed 29 out of 30 cruise missiles launched by Russia overnight Thursday.
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