Zelensky urges top defense officials to attend upcoming summit on ending Russian war against Ukraine

SINGAPORE (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday urged a group of top defense officials at the first Asian Security Conference to attend an upcoming peace summit, saying Ukraine was ready to hear “ various proposals and reflections” on the end of the war with Russia.

Zelenskyy told the group of more than 500 delegates from about 40 countries that he was “disappointed” that some world leaders had not yet confirmed their participation in the conference in Switzerland in about two weeks.

He did not name any countries, but the possible participation of China, Russia’s most important ally, was seen as a key issue.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun spoke earlier in the day at the Shangri-La conference, but he did not appear to be in the room when Zelensky made his call.

Zelensky said Ukraine had proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, regarding nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.

“Time is running out and children are growing up in Putin’s country, where they are taught to hate their homeland,” he said.

At the same time, Zelensky said Ukraine was “ready to hear various proposals and thoughts that would lead us… to an end to the war and a lasting and just peace.”

The greater the turnout, the more likely Russia will have to listen, he said.

“The global majority can ensure, through its involvement, that what has been agreed is truly implemented,” he said.

Zelensky said he would later meet Singapore’s prime minister face-to-face and urge him to participate in talks with Switzerland in person.

“The same goes for countries in the region,” Zelensky said through an interpreter. “We are really counting on your support at this summit and on your presence in Switzerland.”

Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, who shared the stage with Zelensky, did not say whether his country’s leaders would be present, but noted that Singapore had condemned the invasion and provided military ambulances to the ‘Ukraine.

“We stand with you and I believe your participation in this Shangri-La Dialogue is the embodiment of what we all hope for, a rules-based order that guarantees the security and survival of nations large and small.” , did he declare.

Earlier in the day, in his own speech at the forum, Dong did not specifically mention the meetings in Switzerland, but said that “on the Ukrainian crisis, China has promoted peace talks with a responsible attitude.”

He added that China had not provided weapons to any party to the conflict.

“We never did anything to fan the flames,” he said. “We are firmly on the side of peace and dialogue. »

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also attended the conference and sat in the front row as Zelensky spoke.

In a speech Friday, Austin told the group that “Putin’s war of aggression has given us all a glimpse of a world none of us want.”

“We were all inspired by the courage of the Ukrainian troops and the resilience of the Ukrainian people,” Austin said. “People from around the world rushed to help Ukraine defend itself, including in countries across the Indo-Pacific. »