Volodymyr Zelensky urges defence officials to attend a peace summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged defence officials at an Asian security conference to attend a peace summit in Switzerland, stressing the need for global involvement, especially from China, to end the war with Russia. He highlighted Ukraine's focus on issues like nuclear security and the return of abducted children. Singapore's Defence Minister supported Ukraine, while China's Defence Minister committed to peace talks. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned Putin's aggression and praised Ukraine's resilience and the global support for its defence.

Volodymyr Zelensky urges defence officials to attend a peace summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged defence officials at Asia's top security conference to attend a peace summit in Switzerland, highlighting Ukraine's openness to proposals for ending the war with Russia. He expressed disappointment that some world leaders had not confirmed attendance, emphasising the importance of participation, particularly from China. Zelenskyy outlined that Ukraine's proposals at the summit would address nuclear security, food security, prisoner releases, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun spoke earlier at the conference and was absent during Zelenskyy's appeal.

 

“Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland," he said.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on defence officials at a major security conference to attend a peace summit, expressing Ukraine's openness to proposals for ending the war with Russia and achieving a just peace. He emphasised that broader participation would pressure Russia to listen and ensure the implementation of agreements. Zelenskyy also planned to meet with Singapore's prime minister to encourage his involvement in the Switzerland talks.

 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged countries in the region to support and attend the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, emphasising the importance of their presence. Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who was on stage with Zelenskyy, did not confirm attendance but highlighted Singapore's condemnation of the invasion and its support for Ukraine. Ng emphasised the importance of a rules-based order for global security. Speaking earlier, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun did not mention the Switzerland meetings. Still, they reiterated China's commitment to promoting peace talks and clarified that China had not supplied weapons to either side in the conflict.

 

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun stated that China promotes peace and dialogue, asserting they have not fueled the conflict. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, present during Zelenskyy's speech, previously condemned Putin's aggression and praised Ukraine's resilience. Austin highlighted global support for Ukraine, including contributions from Indo-Pacific countries, emphasising the widespread inspiration from Ukraine's courage and determination