G7 summit: Zelensky accuses some Arab leaders of ‘blind eye’ to war ahead of Japan trip

Ahead of his visit to the G7 summit in Japan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused certain Arab leaders of turning a blind eye to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He made these comments during an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia. While Syria openly supported Russia’s invasion, other Arab League nations aimed to maintain good relations with Moscow. However, Zelensky urged these states to reflect on their ties with Russia and not ignore the illegal annexations and prisoner of war situations. Zelensky emphasized the importance of independence and invited everyone to take an honest look at the situation. He also invoked the Arab world’s own history of invasion and occupation to highlight Ukraine’s defense against colonizers and imperialists.

Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, has taken a delicate stance on the conflict. It supported a UN resolution calling for Russia’s troop withdrawal and pledged $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. However, it has resisted imposing sanctions on Russia and considers itself neutral in the conflict. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman renewed Saudi Arabia’s offer to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the fighting.

Zelensky also criticized Iran, which is not a member of the Arab League, for allegedly supplying Shahed drones to Russia. Iran denies these allegations.

Zelensky’s office confirmed his travel from Saudi Arabia to the G7 summit in Japan. He is expected to participate in the leaders’ session and hold a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Additionally, Zelensky’s office stated that he would meet with US President Joe Biden in Japan in the coming days.

The G7 summit began with a condemnation of Russia and the announcement of further sanctions. In addition to the G7 member countries (the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan), eight other countries, including Australia and India, were invited to participate this year.

The upcoming trip to Japan for the G7 summit will mark the furthest distance Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has traveled from Kyiv since the war began in February 2022. In recent days, Zelensky has visited Italy, Germany, France, and the UK, where he secured promises of military support. He continues to urge allies to provide advanced fighter jets to Ukraine, but no country has committed to directly supplying them thus far.

During his visit to Hiroshima, Zelensky will likely attempt to persuade cautious leaders, such as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to provide aid. Zelensky aims to secure weapons deals and promises of lethal weapons, including a commitment from Japan. John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group think tank, suggests that Zelensky’s personal presence at the summit gives him an opportunity to ensure he returns to Kyiv with tangible results and arms deals.

While Japan has shown significant sympathy towards Ukraine, its strict military laws have limited its assistance to non-lethal defense equipment thus far.

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