Zelenskyy Engages with Global Leaders Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is poised to restore dialogue with the United States, as French President Emmanuel Macron indicated after a conversation with Zelenskyy following a notably problematic interaction between the Ukrainian leader and U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday. Macron suggested that the discussions could involve a deal allowing the U.S. access to revenues from Ukraine's natural resources. While Macron also spoke with Trump, details of that conversation remain undisclosed, leaving the White House silent on the matter.
Zelenskyy's arrival in London precedes a crucial summit of European leaders slated for Sunday, where he will advocate for a peace plan to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will host the summit alongside leaders from Canada and Turkey, expressed robust support for Ukraine, assuring Zelenskyy of the U.K.'s commitment through this prolonged crisis. Zelenskyy disclosed plans to utilize a new £226 billion ($284 billion) loan from the U.K. to bolster domestic arms manufacturing.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy is also expected to meet King Charles at the monarch's Sandringham estate, an engagement the Ukrainian president is reportedly looking forward to, following his discussions with Starmer.
Turkey's foreign minister is set to reiterate, during the leaders' meeting, Turkey's offer to mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing Turkey's ongoing commitment to facilitate negotiations.
In the midst of diplomatic gestures, Russia's military activities persist, as recent strikes killed one person and injured 19 in Ukraine, specifically targeting the southern Odesa region. Ukrainian officials reported a missile strike on port facilities, damaging infrastructure and a vessel owned by a European company in the city of Odesa.
Furthermore, Russia's defense ministry announced the capture of two more villages in eastern Ukraine, marking a notable territorial advancement amid ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region.
In a related development, a surveillance mission from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reached the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for the first time, having traveled through Russian territory. The arrival followed significant delays attributed to military tensions in the area, with the IAEA’s presence reliant on coordination facilitated by Russia.
In another incident, Russia reported shooting down three Ukrainian drones targeting a major gas pipeline that supplies Europe through Turkey. This marks the second incident of its kind in the year, with Kyiv refraining from commenting on Russia's claims.
Amid these geopolitical tensions, public sentiment in Europe is evident as hundreds marched through central Berlin, led by Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, demanding an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The march featured prominent Russian opposition figures and highlighted widespread calls for accountability regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine, alongside criticisms directed at former President Trump.
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