SINGAPORE — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged a group of top defense officials at Asia’s premier security conference on Sunday to attend an upcoming peace summit, saying Ukraine was ready to hear “various proposals and thoughts” on ending the war with Russia.
Zelenskyy told the group of more than 500 delegates from about 40 countries that he was “disappointed” some world leaders had not yet confirmed attendance at the conference in Switzerland in about two weeks.
He did not specify any country by name, but the possible participation of China, Russia’s most important ally, has been seen as a key issue.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun spoke earlier in the day at the Shangri-La conference but he did not appear to be in the room when Zelenskyy made his appeal.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
“Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland,” he said.
At the same time, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us … to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace.”
The greater the participation, the more likely it will be that Russia will have to listen, he said.
“The global majority can ensure with their involvement that what is agreed upon is truly implemented,” he said.
Zelenskyy said he was later to meet one-on-one with Singapore’s prime minister and would urge him to participate in person in the Switzerland talks.
“The same goes for the countries in the region,” Zelenskyy said through an interpreter. “We truly count on you supporting this summit, and that you will be present in Switzerland.”
Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, who shared the stage with Zelenskyy, did not say whether his country’s leaders would attend, but did note Singapore had condemned the invasion and provided Ukraine with military ambulances.
“We stand with you, and I think your appearance at this Shangri-La Dialogue is the epitome of what we are all hoping for, a rules-based order that guarantees the security and survival of large nations and small,” he said.
Earlier in the day in his own address to the forum, Dong did not specifically mention the Switzerland meetings, but did say “on the Ukraine crisis, China has been promoting peace talks with a responsible attitude.”
He added that China had not provided weapons to either side of the conflict.
“We have never done anything to fan the flames,” he said. “We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also attended the conference and sat in the front row as Zelenskyy talked.
In an address Friday, Austin told the group that “Putin’s war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want.”
“We’ve all been inspired by the courage of Ukraine’s troops and the resilience of Ukraine’s people,” Austin said. “People around the world have rushed to help Ukraine defend itself, including countries across the Indo-Pacific.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on defense officials from around the world to participate in a summit aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The summit, which is set to take place in the coming weeks, will focus on finding a resolution to the conflict that has been ongoing for nearly eight years.
Zelenskyy’s call for international participation in the summit comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. The conflict, which began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.
The Ukrainian president has been vocal in his calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and has repeatedly urged Russia to end its aggression in Ukraine. Zelenskyy has also called on the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The upcoming summit will provide an opportunity for defense officials from various countries to come together and discuss potential solutions to the conflict. It is hoped that by bringing together experts and leaders from around the world, a path towards peace and stability in the region can be found.
In addition to addressing the conflict with Russia, the summit will also focus on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and enhancing its security cooperation with other countries. Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of building a strong and united front against Russian aggression, and the summit will provide a platform for countries to come together and show their support for Ukraine.
As the summit approaches, there is growing anticipation for what outcomes it may bring. Many are hopeful that the discussions and collaborations that take place during the summit will lead to tangible progress towards resolving the conflict with Russia and ensuring a peaceful future for Ukraine. With the support of defense officials from around the world, there is optimism that a resolution to the conflict can be achieved.
