Rishi Sunak said the world is «one» with Ukraine Photo: Stephan Rousseau
Mr. Sunak told reporters that the visit showed world that Russia's brute force and oppression will never triumph over «freedom and sovereignty.»
He said: «The G7 was once the G8 — Russia was expelled in 2014 for illegally annexing Crimea and blatantly violating human rights and the rule of law.
«Nine years later, this sends an incredibly powerful message to my friend and President of Ukraine Zelensky is with us today in Hiroshima.
«This tells the world that the G7 stands together with the people of Ukraine in the face of a terrible attack. And this demonstrates that brute force and oppression will not triumph over freedom and sovereignty.”
“From providing Challenger tanks to long-range missiles and pilot training, the UK will always support the defense of Ukraine. I am glad that the G7 agreed on the importance of providing President Zelensky with the advanced military hardware needed to win this war and prosper as a free and democratic nation.»
Akshata Murthy, Mr. Sunak's wife, attends Day 2 of the Spouse Program at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. Zelensky had a “great desire” to take part in negotiations that would affect the defense of his country from Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
'The second day will be even more powerful'
On Saturday, Zelensky tweeted: «Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. Today the world will be closer"
The President of Ukraine then took to a social media video to thank Mr. Sunak for «his leadership in developing our capabilities in the skies.» , adding that the UK is «very active on the issue of modern fighters for Ukraine — and these are historical things.»
He added: «For the sake of Ukraine, we are attracting as many countries and leaders as possible. Protection. Long-term support programs for Ukraine. Finance and Economics. The first day in Hiroshima before the G7 is very powerful. The second day will be even more powerful"
In an account of his meeting with Mr Sunak, Downing Street said Mr Zelenskiy's visit to the G7 was a «historic moment». and a sign of continued support from the international community.
Green light for sending F-16 fighters
It came as Joe Biden gave European allies the green light to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help it defeat Russia in what Mr. Zelenskiy called «historic.» The White House's decision to allow Kiev to receive the most sophisticated materials supplied by the West, with the promise of more in the future.
Mr. Zelensky expressed caution, noting that the planes would not immediately help the war effort, but hailed the decision as «an excellent result», adding: «I am very happy. This will really help our society, our people, to keep their homes, their families.”
Joe Biden gave European allies the green light to send fighter jets F-16 to Ukraine Photo: Simon Dawson/10 Downing Street
The UK is expected to begin training Ukrainian pilots within two months to improve their air combat capabilities. The training will be carried out on European-made F-16 fighters, but American-made.
On Saturday evening, Russia warned Western leaders that it would take a «colossal risk» if it supplied Ukraine with aircraft.
Alexander Grushko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, told the TASS news agency: “We see that Western countries continue to adhere to the escalation scenario, which carries huge risks for them.
“In any case, we will take this into account when building plans. We have all the necessary means to achieve our goals.”
A chance to put pressure on and charm countries
The G7 timeline will potentially bring Zelensky into contact with Narendra Modi of India and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, who do not support Ukraine like their Western allies, meaning Zelensky will have a chance to pressure and charm their countries into supporting Ukraine. /p>
Although neither India nor Brazil are members of the G7, India is represented at the summit as it currently chairs the G20 and Brazil is invited as a guest.
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Before arriving for the summit, Zelenskiy stopped in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to address an Arab League summit where he accused some Arab leaders of ignoring the horrors of the Russian invasion of his country.
An international group condemned Russia's «brutal» war against Ukraine «in the strongest terms», calling it a «serious violation of international law.»
Zelensky stopped in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to speak at the Arab League summit on Friday. Photo: BANDAR AL-JALOOOD
On Saturday, Mr. Sunak met with French President Emmanuel Macron and had a brief meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
They discussed the provision of military assistance and «long-term security assistance». ” to Ukraine, as well as the seizure of small boats crossing the English Channel,” Downing Street said.
On Saturday, Sunak also met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Simon Dawson/10 Downing Street
Meanwhile, the G7 announced the formation of a new team to eradicate and counter Russia and China's use of the economy to influence the decisions of countries.
The G7 issued a sharply worded communiqué on China, which called on the communist state to «play by international rules.»
It said: «We will seek to address China's non-market policies and practices that distort the global economy.
«We will counteract malicious activities such as illegal transfer of technology or disclosure. We will promote resilience against economic coercion.»
About Ukraine, the communiqué says: «We call on China to put pressure on Russia to stop its military aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
«We call on China to maintain a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including through direct dialogue with Ukraine.»
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