Saudi Arabia: In a passionate speech delivered at the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned certain Arab leaders for turning a blind eye to the devastating Russian invasion of Ukraine. The summit, held in the coastal city of Jeddah, marked Zelensky's first visit to the Middle East since Russia's aggression in February 2022.

During his address, Zelensky expressed disappointment in those who chose to ignore the "cages and illegal annexations" resulting from the Russian invasion. He called upon the attendees to take an honest look at the ongoing war and its ramifications, urging them to acknowledge the horrors inflicted upon Ukraine.

It was revealed that Zelensky's unexpected attendance at the summit was at the invitation of Saudi Arabia, rather than a decision made by the Arab League itself. However, Saudi officials declined to comment on the matter.

The summit also saw the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League after his suspension in 2011 due to the violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Syria. Al-Assad, a staunch ally of Russia, further highlighted the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict.

Zelensky drew attention to the impact of the war on Muslims in the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. He emphasized that the Muslim community in occupied Crimea continues to suffer under the Russian occupation, underscoring the need for solidarity and action to alleviate their plight.

Expressing gratitude, Zelensky thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his support of Ukraine's territorial integrity. He called for unity among nations to liberate people from the "cages of Russian prison."

Zelensky's trip to Saudi Arabia was facilitated by a French government plane, which transported him from Poland, as confirmed by the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia on Twitter.

President Zelensky's strong stance at the Arab League summit has brought international attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, shedding light on the urgent need for global solidarity in addressing the Russian invasion and its grave consequences.