Zelenskiy, a native of Kharkiv, calls on Biden and Xi to participate in peace summit
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy Appeals to Biden and Xi for Peace Summit Amid Russian Attacks
KYIV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is making a heartfelt plea to world leaders in the midst of Russia’s unrelenting attacks on his country. As the conflict in Ukraine enters its 27th month, Zelenskiy is calling on U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to join an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland.
The summit, scheduled for June, aims to bring international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin as Moscow’s forces continue to advance on the battlefield and intensify air strikes on cities. In a poignant video message recorded inside a printing press destroyed by a Russian air strike, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of real peace, not just a temporary ceasefire.
“I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the Global Peace Summit – to President Biden, the leader of the United States, and to President Xi, the leader of China,” Zelenskiy said. “Please, show your leadership in advancing the peace – the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes.”
While Russia has expressed skepticism about the conference, Zelenskiy remains steadfast in his commitment to ending the conflict on terms that ensure Ukraine’s security. Recent reports suggest that Putin may be open to a negotiated ceasefire, but Zelenskiy and his supporters fear that such a move would only allow Russia to regroup and rearm.
As Russia continues to make gains along the eastern front and pushes into the northeastern Kharkiv region, Zelenskiy stresses the importance of involving as many countries as possible in the peace talks. He believes that a united front will send a strong message to Putin and demonstrate the world’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine.
The upcoming summit in Switzerland will be a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, with the hopes of bringing about a lasting peace that benefits all parties involved. Zelenskiy’s plea to Biden and Xi underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for global cooperation in resolving the crisis.
(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters.
