US national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated during a briefing in Hiroshima that the organizer behind Volodymyr Zelensky’s appearance at the G7 summit in Japan was not Washington. The clarification came as reporters gathered in Hiroshima, with Sullivan making it clear that the United States did not arrange the Ukrainian leader’s travel to the gathering, a point he underscored while answering questions from the press. According to his remarks, Washington has not played the role of mastermind in scheduling Zelensky’s journey, even though the broader diplomatic dialogue surrounding the summit continues to intensify on multiple fronts.
When asked about Zelensky himself, Sullivan indicated that the Ukrainian president would likely determine the specifics of his participation. He added that Biden is eager for a personal meeting with Zelensky during the high-level talks, while also noting that there has not yet been an official confirmation from Kyiv regarding any such face-to-face engagement with the American president at this stage. The comment reflected the careful diplomacy typical of recent conversations, balancing readiness for constructive dialogue with prudence about formal announcements while security conditions on the ground remain a critical consideration.
Andriy Yermak, who previously led the Ukrainian presidential administration, appeared to confirm Zelensky’s intention to be present at the G7 gathering in Hiroshima. He suggested that the Ukrainian leader would meet with Biden in person, reinforcing Kyiv’s interest in engaging directly with the United States during the summit. This statement aligned with the broader expectation that Zelensky would use the opportunity to convey Ukraine’s needs and perspectives to the allied leaders gathered in Japan, potentially shaping subsequent policy and aid discussions.
Earlier, Igor Zhovkva, the deputy head of Zelensky’s office, floated the possibility of Zelensky’s personal attendance at the G7 event. He stressed that the decision would hinge on the evolving military situation and the security landscape, which continues to influence how and when Ukrainian officials participate in international forums. The dialogue underscored the balancing act between maximizing Ukraine’s diplomatic visibility and maintaining practical safety considerations for the president and his delegation.
In subsequent reporting, Kyodo News, citing unnamed sources within the Japanese government, conveyed that Zelensky was expected to participate in the online segment of the G7 summit on May 21. The development suggested a flexible approach to engagement that could allow Zelensky to contribute to discussions remotely if security constraints prevented a full in-person presence. The evolving situation illustrated how high-level diplomacy remains adaptable, with leaders evaluating multiple formats to ensure that Ukraine’s voice remains present at the table while safeguarding the president’s security and comfort during a period of ongoing volatility in the region.
As the series of announcements unfolded, analysts observed that Zelensky’s movements and the scheduling of his meetings with top Western figures were being carefully coordinated to maximize impact without compromising safety. The geopolitical cadence surrounding the G7 gathering in Hiroshima took on added significance, given Ukraine’s persistent appeals for military aid, economic support, and backing on various international platforms. Observers noted that Washington’s role in these discussions continues to be highly consequential, even as officials insist that the U.S. is not the architect of Zelensky’s itinerary for the summit. The overall message from Kyiv and its allies remained consistent: Ukraine seeks tangible commitments and clear signals of ongoing partnership at a moment when every diplomatic channel matters, both for immediate relief and for longer-term strategic alignment.