DSCHIDDA/HIROSHIMA (dpa-AFX) – Stricter sanctions against Russia, discussions about new weapons aid and travel diplomacy: This weekend the course will be set for even greater support for Ukraine in the Russian war of aggression. After traveling across Europe, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke plainly at the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia on Friday. He then wants to campaign for more help at the summit of the leading democratic economic powers (G7) in Japan.
G7 restrict diamond trade with Russia
At the beginning of their meeting in Hiroshima, the group of 7 (USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and the EU) initially agreed to restrict trade in diamonds from Russia. Russia is the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds. Revenue in 2021 was four billion euros. The EU has not restricted trade so far, mainly because of opposition from diamond centers in Belgium.
Difficult discussion about fighter jets
The discussion between Zelenskyj and G7 about the delivery of Western-style fighter jets is not likely to be easy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also skeptical. How the US will behave is unclear. You have a key role. Ukraine wants US-made F16 fighter jets. Any export to Ukraine – even from allied stocks – must be approved by Washington.
Selenskyj for the first time in the Arab League
This part of travel diplomacy is also important for Zelenskyj. Many Arab countries tend to have good relations with Russia and are trying to remain neutral in the Ukraine war. “Unfortunately, some in the world and here in your circle turn a blind eye,” said Zelenskyj in Jeddah. Some summit participants “have a different view of the war in our country and describe it as a conflict.”
Arab diplomats said the visit offered an opportunity to talk about a solution. Ways to start direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev could also be discussed. Saudi Arabia offered to act as a mediator on several occasions.
Zelenskyy praises troops for defending Ukraine
After the successes of Ukrainian troops near Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, Selenskyj gave his soldiers special praise. The air force and anti-aircraft defense also did “excellent work”.
New Russian air strikes on Ukraine
This time, Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses did not intercept all Russian drones and missiles. Three cruise missiles and six drones hit the target, according to a statement from the Air Force. The military did not provide any information about the impact sites.
Attack on the railway line with consequences for the Russian fleet
According to British secret services, a suspected attack on an important railway line on the Crimea annexed by Russia also has consequences for the Russian Black Sea fleet. The British Ministry of Defense announced that it was the only train connection to the port of Sevastopol, where the fleet is stationed