Zelenskyy Joins G-7 in Japan as Democracies Take Aim at Russia and China

As world leaders gathered in Japan for the G-7 summit, focus was on the security and economic risks posed by China, along with the ongoing tensions with Russia. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine joined the group, as they looked to curb these risks in the coming years.

The G-7 leaders were expected to discuss trade, climate change, and the ongoing tensions in the South and East China Seas. They also aimed to discuss the risks of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen the Chinese government invest heavily in infrastructure projects across Asia and Europe.

The G-7 members plan to offer funding for alternative projects in developing countries, providing an alternative to China’s investment.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to be a concern for the G-7, as host nation Japan has been increasingly concerned with their aggression in the region. While relations between the West and Russia have been strained since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, recent events in the Middle East have brought tensions to new heights.

As the meetings began, President Trump issued a statement criticizing Russia’s involvement in Syria, calling for an end to the violence. He also reiterated his desire for improved relations with Russia, despite their disagreements on key issues.

While the G-7 aimed to stay united on the topics of China and Russia, President Zelenskyy’s presence added a new element to the summit. With Ukraine still caught in a conflict with Russia, the Ukrainian president was expected to discuss the situation with other G-7 leaders and gain their support for Ukraine’s future.

Overall, the G-7 summit serves as a reminder of the geopolitical tensions that still lie at the forefront of world affairs. As democracies come together to address these risks, the hope is that they can find a path forward that maintains world peace and security.