Zelensky’s Japan Visit G-7 Attendance And Joe Biden Meeting

Joe Biden Backs Ukraine: G-7 Meeting and Support for F-16 Training. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Japan for the annual meeting of the Group of Seven nations gained momentum after Joe Biden pledged his support for training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jet fighters.

The goal is to secure increased military backing from allies as Ukraine prepares for its planned offensive against Russian forces occupying parts of the country.

Upon landing at Hiroshima airport, Zelensky expressed his optimism, tweeting, “Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. Peace will become closer today.”

Get Wall Street Journal Newspaper for $318

Once at the hotel hosting the summit events, Zelensky engaged in individual meetings with G-7 leaders, including Emmanuel Macron of France and Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Additionally, he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward while extending humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

President Biden, along with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have scheduled a meeting with Zelensky on Sunday. They have added a special session focusing on Ukraine to the summit’s agenda.

Zelensky will also participate in a larger meeting involving G-7 leaders and invited heads of government, such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, which has refrained from backing sanctions against Russia.

Get WSJ Print Subscription Delivery 6-days a week for 1 year $318

Initially planned to attend the G-7 meeting via video link, Zelensky requested to be present in person, and his visit was announced just hours before his arrival.

Traveling from Saudi Arabia on a French government aircraft, Zelensky called for stronger support for Ukraine during the Arab League meeting in Jeddah.

This journey marks Zelensky’s longest trip since Russia’s assault on Kyiv began in February 2022. In December, he visited Washington, where leaders from all G-7 nations met him to discuss matters pertaining to Ukraine.