Zelensky Says Images of a Ruined Hiroshima Remind Him of Bakhmut

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrapped up his appearance at the Group of 7 summit in Japan with a visit to Hiroshima’s atomic bomb museum, saying on Sunday he saw echoes of his country’s pain in images of the 1945 devastation.

Mr Zelensky later told a news conference that the experience had brought him to tears, evoking the bloody battle for Bakhmut, an eastern Ukrainian town that Russia claimed on Sunday, despite being held by Ukrainians.

While it was “unfair” to compare the attack on Hiroshima to what happened in his country, Mr Zelensky said, “the images of destroyed Hiroshima really remind me of Bakhmut.”

“No one is alive,” he said.

mr. Zelensky echoed the statement of Ukrainian military officials who have rejected claims that Bakhmut has been taken, saying “we fought thanks to the courage of our warriors,” and thanked for the support shown to the country in three days. the summit of the world’s richest democratic leaders.

The president declined to elaborate on the military aid pledges secured at the summit, saying only that “high-quality weapons will be provided.” But he said he was happy with the outcome of the meeting in Japan and hoped countries that had refused to send weapons would reconsider.

“I want all countries that can give us help,” Mr Zelensky said, acknowledging that some – including host countries – have legislative or constitutional restrictions to contend with.

While in Japan, Mr Zelensky met with leaders of close allies – including the United States, Britain, France and Germany – as well as countries such as India that have offered less than comprehensive condemnation of Moscow’s invasion.

Asked if he was disappointed that he did not meet personally with President Luiz InĂ¡cio Lula da Silva of Brazil – who condemned the invasion of President Vladimir V. Putin but also suggested that Mr Zelensky and NATO share some of the blame for the war – the Ukrainian leader responded. drawing laughter.

“I feel disappointed,” Mr Zelensky told reporters.

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