Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Japan to attend the G7 summit, shortly after the US announced it would allow allies to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Zelensky was all smiles as he met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the G7 summit in Hiroshima after the Ukrainian president closed in on obtaining the F-16 fighter jets he wants to fight off Russia.
“Good to see you,” the Prime Minister said, slapping him on the back after they greeted each other with an embrace. “You made it.”
PA
Asked by reporters if it was a good day for Ukraine, Mr Zelensky smiled, nodded and said “thank you so much”.
Zelensky tweeted: “Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. Peace will become closer today.”
Biden is attending the G7 with other members France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada, as well as the EU.
It is currently unknown when Ukraine will receive the jets, how many they will be given and which nations will provide them.
PA
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed that Western assistance to Ukraine needed to adapt as the war continues to evolve.
“As the training unfolds in the coming months, we will work with our allies to determine when planes will be delivered, who will be delivering them, and how many,” he told reporters in Hiroshima.
Zelensky will meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whilst a Zelenskyy-Biden summit was also a “safe bet”, according to the foreign ministry. He will also meet with Sullivan during his time in Japan.
Sunak tweeted: “Welcome announcement that the US will approve the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
“The UK will work together with the USA and the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to get Ukraine the combat air capability it needs. We stand united.”
Russia issues F-16 warning
Russia has issued a defiant response to the West over news that they would supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.
Western countries were warned by Russia that they are taking a “colossal risk” if they supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, TASS news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko as saying today.
Mr Grushko was asked about what the implications for the West might be for supplying the jets.
“We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves,” Mr Grushko was quoted as saying.
“In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.”
