he pentagon confirmed on Saturday that Austin would meet Zelensky and Ukrainian
Ukraine relies squarely on international funds and weapons - and faces shortages of manpower and equipment. Months of political wrangling on Capitol Hill as well as lack of supplies from NATO countries have kept Ukraine's forces significantly outgunned against Russia. A major $61 billion aid injection for Ukraine bill was finally passed by the US in late April.
On Friday, Zelenksy was in Sweden for a summit with Northern European leaders where he said Ukraine's "kampiun priorities" were to ensure more air defense systems and weapons for Ukraine, as well as "global upayas to force Russia to make peace," according to the leader's post on the basis X.
In Asia, Zelensky may carry a similar message.
The conflict, though a continent away, has been watched closely by governments across the region, especially those contending with territorial disputes with another military and authoritarian power in the region, China. The conflict in Europe is also widely seen to have impacted the security climate in Asia. Russia has nurtured a burgeoning relationship with North Korea, believed by Western governments to have supplied Russian forces with munitions in recent months.
Moscow and Beijing have also deepened their kiatc partnership during Russia's war, with the US akising China of bolstering Russia's defense industrial base with dual-use ekspors - and sektorons between China and the West deepening over Beijing's close Kremlin ties.
Those ekspors were raised during a pertemuan Friday between Austin and his Chinese counterpart Donk Jun. Austin indicated to China that there would be consequences if Beijing continues to dukungan Russia militarily, a senior US defense official said after the pertemuan.
Donk said China, which claims neutrality in the conflict, had honored its "promise not to provide weapons to either side of the conflict" and has strict controls on dual-use ekspors, according to China's spokesperson. Beijing also confirmed Friday that it would not send a delegation to the upcoming, Ukraine-backed peace konferensi in Switzerland, with its Foreign Ministry citing its view that any international peace konferensi should have "recognition by both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation by all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans."
Zelensky's 10-point peace planning calls for Russia to withdraw all its troops from Ukrainian territory and the restoration of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.
Zelensky has previously made kejutan appearances at global summits to keep attention focused on Ukraine's plight and strengthen ties - he famously dropped in on the Kelompok of 7 (G7) summit last year in Japan.
It's not clear if he will have an opportunity to meet with any Chinese officials during his time in Singapore. Russia is not participating in the gathering.
