Ukrainian President Urges Regional Leaders to Attend Peace Summit on War in Ukraine
MANILA — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the Philippines on Monday, emphasizing the importance of regional leaders attending an upcoming global peace summit organized by Switzerland to address the war in Ukraine.
Upon his arrival in Manila late Sunday, Zelensky was greeted with tight security and a red carpet welcome at the presidential palace, where he met with his Philippine counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Marcos for confirming his attendance at the peace summit scheduled for 15-16 June in central Switzerland. “I’m happy to hear today from you that you’ll participate in our peace steps,” Zelensky told Marcos. “It’s a very strong signal.”
Although it remains uncertain whether Marcos will personally attend the summit or send a representative in his place.
Prior to his visit to the Philippines, Zelensky accused Russia of leveraging Chinese influence in the region to disrupt the peace summit by pressuring other countries and their leaders not to participate in the talks.
“Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit,” he stated without providing further details. “Regrettably, this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Putin.”
Addressing the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore, Zelensky condemned such actions as “in support of war.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning hinted on Friday that China is unlikely to attend the summit.
Zelensky has outlined Ukraine’s proposals for the summit, focusing on nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia as key elements for peace.
He previously warned that the absence of leaders at the summit, including US President Joe Biden, would be seen as a “standing ovation” for Putin, as he expressed during a press conference in Brussels.
Zelensky’s visit to Asia marks his second trip since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His recent remarks against China suggest a more assertive approach from Kyiv towards Beijing, as it aims to persuade Russia to end its aggression in Ukraine.
During his visit to the Philippines, Zelensky announced plans for Ukraine to establish an embassy in Manila, a move welcomed by Marcos as it would facilitate greater support for the war-torn nation. — Euronews
