Zelenskyy's Surprise Visit to Philippines: Rallying for Global Peace Amid Tensions with China

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an unexpected visit to Manila to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Zelenskyy is urging regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organized peace summit concerning the Ukraine war. He criticized China for aiding Russia in undermining the summit.

In a surprising diplomatic maneuver, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Manila unannounced to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday. The visit aims to bolster regional support for a global peace summit on the war in Ukraine, which Zelenskyy accuses Russia—and by extension, China—of attempting to sabotage.

After receiving a red-carpet welcome and military honors, Zelenskyy secured a commitment from Marcos for the Philippines to participate in the summit. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's need for mental health support for its soldiers, while Marcos welcomed the opening of a Ukrainian embassy in Manila, promising accelerated assistance efforts.

Both leaders were critical of China's role in global tensions, particularly at the recent Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore. Zelenskyy accused China of using its influence to disrupt the peace summit, a claim that China has not responded to. The summit, set for mid-June, aims to address several critical issues, including nuclear and food security, and the repatriation of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

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