Rishi Sunak hugs Zelensky at G7 summit in Hiroshima, tells him ‘we’re not going anywhere’
Rishi Sunak gave Volodymyr Zelensky a hug as they met today at the G7 summit in Horishima.
The prime minister told his counterpart, with whom he has recently been on first-name terms, that support for his nation in its conflict with Russia “will not go anywhere.”
It came as the Ukrainian president welcomed the green light from the US to send in F-16 fighter jets to help his troops fight Putin’s aggressors.
Clapping Mr. Zelensky on the back after greeting each other with a hug, Mr. Sunak said: ‘Nice to see you. You did it.’
Asked by reporters if it was a good day for Ukraine, Zelensky smiled, nodded and said “thank you very much.”
Rishi Sunak gave Volodymyr Zelensky a hug as they met at the G7 summit in Horishima today.
The prime minister told his counterpart, with whom he has recently been on first name terms, that support for his nation in its conflict with Russia “will not go anywhere.”
It came as the Ukrainian president welcomed the green light from the US to send in F-16 fighter jets to help his troops fight Putin’s aggressors.
It is on track to get a push to receive donated advanced fighter jets after US President Joe Biden authorized Western allies to transfer them to kyiv.
Zelensky tweeted: ‘Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends from Ukraine. Security and greater cooperation for our victory. Peace will be closer today.
Sunak updated Zelensky on “very positive progress” in supplying fighter jets to Ukraine when they met in Hiroshima, Downing Street said.
A statement read: “Following their discussion in Checkers earlier this week, the Prime Minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance necessary to win the war and secure a just peace.
The prime minister updated President Zelensky on the very positive progress in the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the supply of fighter jets.
“The leaders hoped to advance talks with G7 countries and other partners on support for Ukraine and action against Russia’s illegal and destabilizing behavior.”
The prime minister also had a friendly meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the summit.
Sunak and Zelensky hug as they meet at the G7 summit in Hiroshima this morning
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky hugs British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before the start of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders Summit in Hiroshima.
Sunak and Zelensky meet today during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan
The G7 leaders vowed to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes” and increase the costs for Russia and its war supporters.
They also used their joint statement to criticize China, saying they remain “seriously concerned” by the aggression shown towards Taiwan.
Moscow warned that “escalation” carries “enormous risks” for the countries involved.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the Tass news agency: “We can see that Western countries continue to stick to an escalation scenario, which carries huge risks for them.”
‘In any case, we will take it into account when making the plans.
‘We have all the necessary means to achieve our goals.’
Zelensky flew to Japan for what had been a surprise visit until the news broke on Friday.
Having received him at his Checkers retreat on Monday, the prime minister warmly welcomed Zelensky to a summit meeting room in Hiroshima, where allies are discussing their support for Ukraine.
“It was great to see you in the week,” Mr. Sunak told him.
Joe Biden informed his allies at the conference in Hiroshima that he will give legal authorization to allow US-made planes to be donated to kyiv.
The US president, who is attending the G7 with other members from France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada, as well as the EU, also announced the training of Ukrainian pilots.
The prime minister welcomed the decision, having pressed allies to provide the Ukrainian president with the planes he has been asking for.
Sunak tweeted: “Ukraine, we are not going anywhere.”
The two leaders struck up a friendly conversation after greeting each other this morning.
Zelensky gestures to onlookers after hugging Sunak at the summit in Japan
Zelensky is on track to get a boost to receive donated advanced fighter jets after US President Joe Biden authorized Western allies to transfer them to Kiev.
The RAF does not have any US-made F-16s. Washington must legally approve their export
Joe Biden informed his allies at the conference in Hiroshima that he will give legal authorization to allow US-made planes to be donated to kyiv.
The RAF does not have any US-made F-16s. Washington must legally approve their export.
Zelensky is expected to participate in meetings with the G7 on Sunday.
His presence will potentially bring him into contact with India’s Narendra Modi and Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who have not supported Ukraine as their Western allies.
They are also not members of the G7, but India is represented at the summit because it is the current president of the G20, while Brazil has been invited as a guest.
Zelensky’s attendance at the G7, the group from which Russia was expelled for its 2014 annexation of Crimea, is another show of solidarity from Western allies.
Japan said it has a “strong desire” to participate in talks that will influence its nation’s defense against Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
He will also have the opportunity to pressure and entice India and Brazil to support Ukraine.
On Saturday, Sunak met with French President Emmanuel Macron for summit discussions and had a brief meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
They discussed providing military aid and “longer-term security assistance” to Ukraine, as well as tackling Channel crossings in small boats, Downing Street said.
Meanwhile, the G7 announced that it would establish a new team to eradicate and counter Russia’s and China’s use of economic coercion to influence nations’ decisions.
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