**Zelensky Leaves G7 Early, Returns to Kyiv Amid Changing Circumstances**
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has cut short his visit to Canada and will return to Kyiv after the conclusion of G7 talks on June 17. According to a source close to the Ukrainian leader, this decision comes in the wake of a deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv overnight.
Initially, President Zelensky was scheduled to travel to Calgary for additional events and a press conference, but those plans have been cancelled. The change in itinerary is likely due to the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, where Russia’s aggression continues to escalate.
Meanwhile, developments at the G7 summit have also contributed to President Zelensky’s hasty departure. Canada has dropped plans for the Group of Seven nations to issue a joint statement on the war in Ukraine, after the United States pushed to weaken the language. A Canadian official stated that the country felt a watered-down version would not be fair to Ukraine.
In its place, Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to release a separate statement reflecting the positions of the remaining six G7 members later today. President Zelensky had traveled to Canada hoping to meet one-on-one with US President Donald Trump and push for stronger sanctions against Russia. However, Mr. Trump left the summit early, citing the crisis in the Middle East, and no bilateral meeting or unified G7 statement took place.
The sudden change of plans reflects the rapidly shifting circumstances on the ground in Ukraine. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise, President Zelensky’s decision to cut short his visit to Canada is a testament to the gravity of the situation. His return to Kyiv underscores the need for Ukrainian leaders to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving security landscape.
**What This Means**
The cancellation of President Zelensky’s events in Calgary and his hasty departure from the G7 summit highlight the growing importance of addressing the conflict in Ukraine. The absence of a unified statement from the Group of Seven nations on this issue may indicate a lack of consensus among member states, which could have significant implications for international efforts to support Ukraine.
The decision by Canada to drop plans for a joint statement also underscores the complexities and tensions within the G7. The pushback against stronger language from the US suggests that finding common ground on critical issues can be challenging, even among close allies.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, it is essential for the international community to come together with a unified response. President Zelensky’s early departure from the G7 summit serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing this crisis with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
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