U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week in Normandy, France, and then again during the G7 summit in Italy to discuss developments in the war Kyiv is waging against the Russian invasion, according to a White House official. This dual support comes after Biden faced criticism for announcing he would not attend the planned peace summit in Switzerland, instead opting to participate in a fundraising event featuring Hollywood stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters accompanying the president on Air Force One to Paris that Biden "will have the opportunity to meet with President Zelensky" while in Normandy this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day during World War II. He added that Biden would discuss "the current situation and how we can continue and deepen our support for Ukraine."
Sullivan revealed that Biden is scheduled to meet with Zelensky again during the G7 summit in Bari, Italy, from June 13 to 15, which will focus on using frozen Russian assets to support the war effort in Ukraine. Sullivan stated, "In just over a week, the president will hold two important meetings with President Zelensky." However, Biden will not attend the Ukraine summit in Switzerland that follows the G7 meeting. Zelensky has noted that Biden's absence strengthens Russian President Vladimir Putin's position. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the Swiss summit alongside Sullivan.
