Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend the G7 summit in Japan in person on Sunday, as leaders prepare for new sanctions against Russia. The summit, which brings together the leaders of the world’s seven largest economies, will be held in the city of Ise-Shima.
Zelenskyy’s attendance at the summit comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as tensions with Russia continue to escalate. The country has been locked in a conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since 2014, and the situation has only worsened in recent months.
In April, Russia amassed troops along the border with Ukraine, prompting fears of a possible invasion. While the troops have since been withdrawn, tensions remain high, and there are concerns that Russia may be planning further aggression.
The G7 leaders are expected to discuss the situation in Ukraine during the summit, and to consider new sanctions against Russia in response to its actions. The United States and other Western countries have already imposed a range of economic sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s attendance at the summit is significant, as it underscores Ukraine’s importance to the international community. It also provides an opportunity for him to make his case directly to world leaders about the need for continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
In recent weeks, Zelenskyy has been calling for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine. While Putin has not yet agreed to such a meeting, Zelenskyy’s attendance at the G7 summit could provide an opportunity for him to engage with other world leaders on the issue.
The G7 summit is also expected to address a range of other global issues, including climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic recovery. The leaders are expected to announce a new initiative to help developing countries build infrastructure, in an effort to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Overall, the G7 summit is shaping up to be a critical moment for Ukraine and for the international community as a whole. Zelenskyy’s attendance underscores the importance of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, and provides an opportunity for him to make his case directly to world leaders. As tensions continue to simmer in eastern Ukraine, the outcome of the summit could have significant implications for the region and for global security more broadly.
