Zelensky meets with G7 leaders during Japan visit

Updated at 13:29

During the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, George Meloni, the parties discussed the importance of continuing the dialogue between the countries on important issues of bilateral relations.

“Vladimir Zelensky and George Meloni also discussed the first results of the visit of the President of Ukraine to Italy, which took place on May 13. During the meeting, they discussed the defense and political support of our country from the Italian Republic,” – writes press service of the Office of the President.

Zelensky noted the need to improve the ability of air defense, including the training of our pilots.

Photo: Vladimir Zelensky, President of Ukraine and Georgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy (president.gov.ua)

Updated at 13:02

During a meeting with Rishi Sunak, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Britain for its leadership in the international fighter coalition.

The parties also discussed:

• further implementation of the agreements that were reached during the talks in the UK on 14 May;
• development of bilateral relations between countries;
• coordination of positions on the eve of participation in the G7 summit.

Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine and Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of Britain (president.gov.ua)

Updated at 12:27

During a visit to Hiroshima, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Rishi Sunak. During the meeting, the British Prime Minister hugged the President and said: “You did it.”

When asked if it was a good day, Zelensky smiled, nodded and replied “thank you”.

It is also noted that the president also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Zelensky arrived in Japan

“Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and strengthening of cooperation for our victory. Today the world will become closer,” – informed president in the Telegram channel.

Other videos from the airport in Hiroshima also got into the network.

G7 summit

G7 leaders met in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The summit takes place from 19 to 21 May. Among its members:

• Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau;
• France – President Emmanuel Macron;
• Germany – Chancellor Olaf Scholz;
• Italy – Prime Minister George Maloney;
• Japan – Prime Minister Fumio Kishida;
• United Kingdom – Prime Minister Rishi Sunak;
• USA – President Joe Biden;
• EU – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and Charles Michel, President of the European Council.

What to expect?

According to the head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, during his trip to Japan, Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with the US President. The parties are expected to discuss the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16.

According to Politico, Biden is set to announce a new $375m military aid package to Ukraine after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart.

In particular, the President of the United States plans to discuss the war in Ukraine with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Biden plans to raise the issue of their role in “supporting the core and most important element of any outcome, namely sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

What preceded this?

EU tour

Last week, the President of Ukraine visited a number of European countries, including Italy, Germany, Britain and France. There he met with officials and leaders of EU member states.

“We are returning home with new defense packages: more new, powerful weapons for the front, more protection for our people. More political support,” the president wrote upon returning to Ukraine.

RBC-Ukraine revealed all the details of Zelensky’s tour to the EU countries.

Trip to Saudi Arabia

Yesterday, May 19, the president also visited Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud and spoke at the Arab League summit.

As Mikhail Podolyak, adviser to the head of the President’s Office, noted, in every country Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed as the leader of the free world. At this time, Russia is being humiliated in those regions that it considered “its own”.

Participation in the G7 summit

During the trips of Vladimir Zelensky, a number of Western media reported on his plans to participate in the G7 summit.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov confirmed the direct participation of the president at the summit, but later the press service of the department announced that Zelensky would join the meeting of leaders online.