Ukrainian President Zelensky in Manila to promote peace summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Philippine president on Monday in a rare Asian trip to urge regional leaders to attend a Swiss-organized global peace summit on the war in Ukraine that he accuses Russia, with China’s help, of trying to undermine.

Meanwhile, China on Monday denied accusations by Ukrainian President Zelensky that it was trying to prevent other nations from attending a planned peace summit on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking on Sunday at a security forum in Singapore, Zelensky accused Beijing of "working hard today to prevent countries from coming to the peace summit" due to be hosted by Switzerland this month.

Ukraine hopes the gathering will help it win broad international backing for its vision of the terms needed to end Russia's invasion.

But China criticised the conference last week, saying it would be "difficult" for it to attend if ally Russia did not participate.

Beijing's foreign ministry said on Monday, that "China's position is open and transparent, and there is absolutely no instance of us putting pressure on other countries".

"On peace talks, China's position is fair and just. It does not target any third country, and of course is not aimed at Switzerland's hosting of this summit for peace," spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

China "believes that all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported", she added.

Beijing insists it is a neutral party on the war in Ukraine, but has also faced sharp criticism from the West over its strategic partnership with Russia.

Zelensky arrived unannounced and under heavy security in Manila late Sunday after speaking over the weekend at the Shangri-La defense forum in Singapore. He was given a red-carpet welcome with military honors Monday at the presidential palace before meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after which he left the Philippines.

Marcos pledged that his country would take part in the peace summit, Philippine Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

"I’m happy to hear today from you that you’ll participate in our peace steps,” Zelensky told Marcos. "It’s a very strong signal.”

Zelensky said Ukraine needs more mental health workers for its soldiers. Marcos promised to help and welcomed a decision by Ukraine to open an embassy in Manila this year which would hasten efforts to deliver assistance.

"We have ourselves been trying to promote the continuing adherence to international law in our part of the world,” Marcos said. "The issues that you are facing are similar and in parallel to ours and, therefore, the position the Philippines takes is always to promote peace."

Agencies