Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, expressed concern about the upcoming meeting between Russia, China, and the United States scheduled for next month. Zelensky warned that this meeting could provide an opportunity for the three countries to redraw global spheres of influence. He stated to reporters, "We really don't want this meeting to become 'Yalta 2, 3, 4' where influences are redistributed," referencing the Yalta Conference of 1945.
Concerns About the Meeting's Implications
The Kremlin had previously announced that preparations are underway for a meeting between Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and his American and Chinese counterparts, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit next month. The Wall Street Journal reported on this trilateral meeting earlier this month, stating that Trump had not agreed to participate at that time but had expressed willingness in response to Putin's suggestion to seek an end to the war in Ukraine.
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Zelensky also pointed out that "Russia is more eager for this meeting than anyone else" and warned against granting "another significant diplomatic advantage" to Moscow. He mentioned that what China, Russia, and the United States might discuss at this meeting is still not clearly defined.
Other Developments in Ukraine
While Zelensky addressed this issue, negotiations are set to take place next month between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in the United Arab Emirates. A specific date for this Abu Dhabi meeting has not been set, but Kyiv hopes it will occur before the potential Russia-China-U.S. summit. It was also confirmed on Wednesday that Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit the United States for a meeting with his G20 counterparts.
During his trip to the Netherlands to meet with the country's leadership, Zelensky announced that the Dutch government will provide €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) in civilian aid to Ukraine. He also had a phone call with Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, thanking him for providing £10 billion ($13.29 billion) in new aid.
Zelensky said, "This is a really strong and timely step that Russia needs to feel that Ukraine will not be left to deal with the problems that Russia is intensifying." He also urged Washington to increase the provision of Patriot air defense systems.
On the war fronts, officials reported that a six-day ceasefire in a Russian-occupied city in southern Ukraine successfully maintained calm on its first day and night. This ceasefire began in the devastated city of Olshansky and is set to continue until Sunday to facilitate a planned humanitarian operation to provide food and medicine to about 2,000 remaining residents.
Zelensky expressed appreciation that arrangements for evacuating people are being organized. Meanwhile, fighting continues in other war-torn areas. In a drone attack on the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, five people, including a four-year-old child, were injured.
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