Zelensky begins European tour as Ukraine faces difficult days

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has just kicked off a tour of Kiev's European allies in an effort to secure additional military and financial aid for Ukraine amid a conflict with Russia that continues to escalate daily.

Ukraine could face its harshest winter ever this year, as Russia launches new attacks on the country's power grid and makes advances on its eastern frontline.

Mr. Zelensky's trip, scheduled to begin on October 10 with meetings in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, took place after the Ramstein Group Summit, which brought together about 50 countries that support Ukraine militarily, was canceled at the last minute.

Mr Starmer's spokesman told reporters that the British prime minister would reiterate Britain's unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Mr. Zelensky at a conference in Croatia, October 9, 2024. Photo: RTE

The Ukrainian leader also plans to hold talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and then travel to Rome to meet Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni on October 10 and Pope Francis at the Vatican on October 11.

Mr Macron's meeting with Mr Zelensky will provide the French president with an opportunity to reaffirm France's determination to continue supporting Ukraine and its people, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

Zelensky will then travel to Germany for consultations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on October 11. The Ramstein Group summit scheduled for October 12, as well as a meeting of the “Quad” of the US, UK, France and Germany to negotiate on Ukraine, was postponed after US President Joe Biden canceled his trip to Europe because of Hurricane Milton hitting Florida.

Mr Zelensky is seeking to secure as much military and financial aid as possible before the US presidential election next month.

The United States is Ukraine’s main backer and major contributor of financial and military aid. But if Republican candidate Donald Trump wins the election, Washington’s continued support for Kiev could change.

On October 9, ahead of his European tour, Mr. Zelensky attended a Summit with Balkan leaders in Croatia.

"No one in Europe needs to be reminded of how precious peace is, especially here in the Balkans. What happens here in the Balkans and what happens in Ukraine will in some way determine the stability of all of Europe," Mr Zelensky said at the event.

Summit participants in Croatia adopted a declaration supporting Mr Zelensky's peace efforts, Ukraine's NATO membership and the country's post-war reconstruction.

Minh Duc (According to RFE/RL, RTE)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/ong-zelensky-bat-dau-cong-du-chau-au-khi-ukraine-doi-mat-voi-nhung-ngay-thang-kho-khan-204241010151003029.htm