May, 2023 – In an anticipated move, President Biden is expected to convene with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the forthcoming G-7 summit in Japan. As per sources from the White House, this meeting signifies an opportunity for both leaders to address pressing matters face to face.
President Zelensky’s arrival at the summit is likely to carry a certain weight, given recent U.S. decision to refrain from blocking the provision of the long-requested U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by allied nations. The United States has also pledged to join in the effort of training Ukrainian pilots.
This event marks Zelensky’s maiden visit to Asia since the commencement of Russia’s incursion in February the previous year. The Ukrainian leader’s schedule has been dotted with international visits, covering Western European capitals and Saudi Arabia.
The shift in the stance of the Biden administration towards the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine came in response to continuous urging from allies, Congress, and President Zelensky himself. Ukraine anticipates having its F-16s airborne by the close of September, as informed by a Defense Ministry adviser.
Further, the United States has committed to the collective endeavor of training Ukrainian pilots on the operation of fourth-generation fighter aircraft, inclusive of F-16s. This represents the subsequent phase in the ongoing war, following Washington’s provision of artillery, tanks, and additional arms.
On the battlefront, Ukraine has reported a Russian airstrike on Kyiv, damaging residential zones, and the interception of three Russian cruise missiles and 18 Iranian-made drones.
At a global level, Zelensky utilized his platform at the Arab League summit to appeal for assistance in securing the release of Ukrainians detained in Russia. Simultaneously, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs proclaimed a travel ban for 500 Americans as a reprisal to Western sanctions.
In the midst of these developments, the upcoming G-7 summit and the expected meeting between Presidents Biden and Zelensky could play a pivotal role in shaping the course of events in the region.
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