Britain and the world’s richest warmongers look set to increase their military support for Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky urged G7 leaders for the supply of greater firepower today.
The Ukrainian president addressed the leaders of Britain, the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany and Italy by video from Kiev as they gathered at the luxury Schloss Elmau resort in the Bavarian Alps.
The address by Mr Zelensky was delivered in private but, ahead of his speech, he said he would be demanding extra defence systems to combat the missile bombardment suffered by Kiev and other cities in recent days.
He reportedly told the G7 leaders that he wanted the conflict with Russia to be ended before the harsh winter weather set in later this year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters that Britain said it is spending £1.3 billion on military support for Ukraine.
He said the “price of freedom is worth paying” and that Britain must be prepared to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia for as long as it takes, despite the cost.
The PM argued that the Western allies must continue to back Ukraine because standing up against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression would ultimately make the world a safer and more prosperous place.
But Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament general secretary Kate Hudson told the Star: “[We heard] not a word from our Prime Minister about negotiating a settlement that will end this war, that will bring an end to the suffering not only in Ukraine but across all those countries and people undergoing extreme hardship through lack of energy, food and other essential supplies as a result.
“People are dying in this war and from the consequences of this war, and it has to be brought to an end, upholding the principles of justice and peace.”
Stop the War Coalition vice-chairman Chris Nineham said: “President Zelensky’s request for more weapons from the West looks as if it will be met at the G7 and Nato summits.
“Already today the US has promised a new surface-to-air missile system. Expect more pledges in the days to come.
“The constant ramping up of Ukraine’s strike capacity in what the US has already admitted is a proxy war can only prolong the conflict and increase the chances of escalation.
“What world leaders should be doing is finding a path to peace, not widening the war.”
Source: The Morning Star