Zelensky in Singapore, Seeks Support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting with president of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam and prime minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Singapore for a security forum as he seeks to rally support for Kyiv while a Russian offensive gains ground.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of working hard to prevent countries from attending a peace summit he is planning, which Beijing has publicly criticized because Russia is not invited.

Speaking at a security forum in Singapore, Zelensky said, "China, unfortunately, is working hard today to prevent countries from coming to the peace summit." Beijing believes the conference should have Russia's recognition and participation for a "fair discussion of all peace plans."

Zelensky also expressed disappointment that some world leaders, including potentially Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, had not signed up. China signaled it would be difficult to attend without Russia, which Ukraine has rejected.

Through the summit, Kyiv hopes to garner broad international backing for its vision to end Russia's war.

Zelensky urged Asia-Pacific nations to join, saying over 100 countries and organizations had signed up.

However, the summit risks being overshadowed if key Ukraine backer Biden, locked in an election campaign, ultimately does not participate. Zelensky accused China of being "a tool in Putin's hands" trying to "disrupt the peace summit."

Separately, Zelensky met US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, discussing Ukraine's defense needs, air defense, F-16 jets, and a bilateral security agreement. Austin reiterated "unwavering U.S. support" for Ukraine and the commitment of over 50 allied countries.

The meeting followed the US partially lifting restrictions on using its weapons to strike inside Russia, which Zelensky hailed as "a step forward."